National Ocean Sciences (NOS) 5:30-7:30 P.M. OCC: B114 Richard W. Spinrad, Ph.D., Assistant Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Services and Coastal Zone Management, will focus on ocean and coastal observation systems, coastal modeling, hydrographic services, and key issues confronting the ocean science community, NOAA, and the National Ocean Service.

Coastal Ocean Processes Program: Planning Future Research on Benthic Boundary Layer Exchange 5:30-7:30 P.M. OCC: A106 The National Science Foundation's Coastal Ocean Processes (CoOP) Program strategically supports interdisciplinary research on the physics, biology, chemistry, geology and meteorology of processes determining continental shelf exchange. This town meeting will announce the planning for a new research initiative on processes related to benthic boundary material exchange. Further information about CoOP and this new initiative can be obtained from the CoOP Web site.

Design of a New Generation Polar Research Vessel for the U.S. Antarctic Program Host Organization: National Science Foundation 5:30-7:30 P.M. OCC: A105 A new-generation Polar Research Vessel (PRV) is being designed as the RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer (NBP) replacement. The NBP contract ends in either 2008 or 2012 at NSF's option. The new vessel will be designed to support science needs expected in the next decade and beyond. A detailed conceptual design as the basis for issuing an RFP for the PRV requires scientific input over the next ~18 months. At this workshop we will present the current state of the feasibility design, which has yielded the size of the ship and the layout at the initial level and some key science capabilities. We will also discuss the three ways for scientists to provide input to the design (web site, focus groups, town meetings), and solicit input on the design and capabilities of the PRV. Refreshments will be provided.

The Current State of Planning for NSF's ORION Program: An Observing System for Ocean Research 5:30-7:30 P.M. OCC: B114 Following several years of community planning and two NRC reports, the National Science Foundation's Division of Ocean Sciences plans to initiate construction of an integrated observatory network that will provide the oceanographic research and education communities with a new mode of access to the ocean. A key component of this initiative has three elements: 1) a global array of deep-sea buoys that could also be deployed in harsh environments such as the Southern Ocean, 2) a regional-scale cabled network, and 3) an expanded network of coastal observatories. Planning for this initiative is well underway and funding is anticipated to start in 2006. Come hear the outcomes of recent activities decisions, and give input on future planning activities for this major new initiative. Refreshments will be served.