August 2022 Newsletter
PacIOOS Updates
Backyard Buoys Co-Production Workshop
Members of the PacIOOS Management team attended a two-day workshop hosted by three Backyard Buoys partners: Barrow Whaling Captains Association, Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, and Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS) in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. The workshop brought together three U.S. IOOS Regional Associations: PacIOOS, AOOS, and Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS); Indigenous partners from each region; a buoy and sensor company known as Sofar Ocean; education partners; and more. Participants discussed specific ocean data needs for different communities and regions; what co-production means and looks like to them; approaches to deploy and steward wave buoys in coastal communities; data tools and visualization methods for subsistence users; and ways of collecting wave data with community members, researchers, and partner agencies. Among the many valuable lessons from the meeting was an acknowledgement that while the communities represented across the three regions may have very different environments, they share many similar needs, concerns, values, solutions, and drive to protect their people, their livelihoods, and their cultures. To learn more about the Backyard Buoys project, partners, and stewardship plan, visit the project website. [Photo: Backyard Buoys Workshop at the Iñupiat Heritage Center in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Credit: Carol Janzen, AOOS] 
New Opportunity in the Republic of the Marshall Islands with UH Sea Grant and PacIOOS
The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program is hiring a Marshall Islands Coastal Management Agent located in Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). As part of this exciting full-time position, the successful candidate will serve as a part-time liaison for PacIOOS and will be responsible for facilitating and implementing activities associated with ocean observing needs in the RMI. To apply and learn more about the full job description, visit the RCUH website, click on "Job Postings," and search for job #222595. Please share this unique opportunity with potentially interested candidates. [Photo: PacIOOS wave buoy in Majuro, Marshall Islands. Credit: PacIOOS]
PacIOOS Tools and Services
New Tool to Plan for Coastal Flooding in West Maui
PacIOOS researchers collaborated with partners and users to develop a new interactive mapping tool to increase awareness and preparedness of coastal flooding in West Maui. The tool offers predictions of coastal flooding for 12 different regions along the west coast of Maui under various scenarios of sea level rise and a range of wave events. Using the high-resolution map, users can adjust the wave height and sea level, allowing them to better visualize and understand the potential impacts of increased coastal flooding. The tool can also be used in conjunction with the Hawai'i Sea Level Rise Viewer to view other data, including coastal hazard exposure areas, coastal erosion, and potential economic loss to land and structures caused by rising sea levels. Please help us spread the word about this tool that was tailored for West Maui to help community members, property owners, and coastal managers plan for and respond to coastal flooding events. [Photo: West Maui wave-driven flooding tool. Credit: PacIOOS]
Partner Updates
Chain Donation from Young Brothers
Young Brothers, a local shipment and transportation company in Hawai‘i, donated over 6,000 pounds of used bridle chain for the PacIOOS Wave Buoy Program to repurpose as anchor weights for the wave buoys. PacIOOS' partnership with Young Brothers began in 2012 and has been integral to helping ensure that the wave buoys are secured during powerful swells and storms. Mahalo, Young Brothers, for your support and partnership over the years! [Photo: Chain donation from Young Brothers to support PacIOOS' network of wave buoys. Credit: Kimball Millikan, PacIOOS]
PacIOOS 'Ohana
Welcome, New Communications Coordinator
We are excited to introduce Jesi Quan Bautista who recently joined the team as the new PacIOOS Communications Coordinator based on O‘ahu. Her primary role is to coordinate engagement and public relations activities for stakeholders, partners and users across the Pacific Islands region.

Raised both on O‘ahu and Guåhan (Guam), Jesi’s early interest in and connection to the ocean led her to diverse work experiences focusing on the Mariana Islands. She has supported the management of the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument with the NOAA Pacific Marine National Monument Program. In addition, she has worked on several communication and education-related projects focused on Micronesia with Breadfruit Educational Productions.

Jesi is guided by the values of her manåmko' (elders), especially her grandparents who continue to navigate and inspire her. She feels grateful to serve in this new position that allows her to connect and reconnect with communities across Oceania and hopes to continue to build reciprocal relationships and partnerships. Welcome aboard, Jesi!