SOCIB - Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System
The Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (SOCIB), created in 2007, is a Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS) since 2014. The ICTS SOCIB is a public consortium between the Ministry of Science and Innovation, the Regional Government of the Balearic Islands, and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). Located in Parc Bit, Palma, it has a multidisciplinary team working with a shared goal: to advance knowledge, understanding, and sustainable management of the global ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. To this end, the ICTS SOCIB operates an observation and forecasting system that continuously monitors the western Mediterranean, collecting data through multiple platforms, including high-frequency coastal radars, integral beach monitoring systems, autonomous underwater gliders, lagrangian observation platforms (ARGO profilers and surface drifting buoys), oceanographic buoys, meteorological and sea level stations, and the Research Vessel (R/V SOCIB). The ocean data collected, of strategic value in marine research, can be consulted in real-time and in open access through the institutional repository of the ICTS SOCIB. The forecasting system has three predictive models: (i) the Western Mediterranean OPerational forecasting system (WMOP); ii) the Autonomous Swell Prediction System (SAPO); and, iii) the Balearic RIssaga Forecasting System (BRIFS). Moreover, SOCIB implements digital applications and solutions to promote the transfer of knowledge, the marine and coastal management based on scientific evidence, and offers expert consultancy services in environmental management and operational oceanography. It also works to promote citizens' knowledge of the ocean (Ocean Literacy) through innovative activities and resources for all audiences.
In this context, the ICTS SOCIB's general objective is similar to that of the leading international marine research infrastructures, by providing access to marine data and providing scientific facilities for the scientific, technological, and industrial communities. Link to its mission, the specific objectives of SOCIB are: i) operate an observing and forecasting system that provides metocean data of proven quality, in real-time and in open access; ii) promote scientific research and operational oceanography in order to generate knowledge on marine ecosystem variability, ocean health, and global change; iii) transfer knowledge in marine sciences and technologies through the development of applications, digital solutions and services aimed at strategic sectors; training in oceanography; and the promotion of scientific culture about the ocean.
