According to NOAA its ocean temperature forecast proved to be a boon for West Coast sport fishermen for predicting the best location for catching tuna and saving fuel. It is fact that tuna prefer warmer ocean waters above 59 degrees Fahrenheit. As ocean waters swirl and mix, the precise area where water temperatures are optimum for tuna may change on a daily basis.
NOAA-supported OSU scientists, led by Assistant Professor Alexander Kurapov have developed a new computer model to predict a 24-hour and 48-hour ocean temperatures. It is said that the forecast is available online and tailored specifically for tuna fishers by Craig Risien, a physical oceanographer from OSU.
Ron Seip, owner of the fishing vessel Sweet Witch of Coos Bay, Ore, informed that the word has spread among the sport fishing fleet and this Web site has become quite popular. He added that they use this site to decide how far to go to fish for tuna, where to go, or whether to go at all. It is invaluable, especially in light of the cost of fuel.
John H. Dunnigan NOAA’s assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service, pointed out that the ecological forecasts become increasingly important as our ocean changes. OSU supported the transition from research to operational status through the Cooperative Institute for Oceanographic Satellite Studies.
