V1, 7/18/05 23 The SEACOOS modeling program is a composite of three different model applications, with a pair of overlapping regions for inter-comparison. The more likely RCOOS scenario will include the operational application of one or more different full regional models in addition to sub-regional model applications that serve special user needs. Given the visibility of the SEACOOS effort in general and its investment in numerical circulation modeling in particular,  investigators need provide significant guidance in the design and implementation of a truly operational SECOORA RCOOS.   In the next few years, SEACOOS investigators need to elucidate the issues that must be resolved in the implementation of a SECOORA RCOOS, by implementing and running a prototype near real-time application of a single, full-region prognostic circulation model, with prototype open boundary conditions and some data assimilation. The present SEACOOS fixed measurement array coverage is relatively robust along the west Florida shelf, moderately robust along the Georgia-Carolinas and thin along the east Florida, with a significant gap along the northeast Florida shelf. We support the SEACOOS investigators plan to prepare for Coastal Ocean Data Assimilation Experiments (CODAE), which will help scientifically guide future deployment (and/or redeployment) of observational resources. SEACOOS will need to establish a formalized mechanism whereby the performance of the model output (skill) is used to inform the optimal configuration of the observing system design to narrow regions of overlap. This is essential if the system is to be configures to meet requirements. Data Management SEACOOS has not systematically identified target users of its information management system. As a result specific, “customer-driven” requirements for the IM system have not been articulated, nor has the resulting IM system been evaluated against such requirements.  The scientists within the SEACOOS project fit the loosely defined profile of a “super users”, so the IM system should meet their needs among others. Yet these internal users appear to make only limited use of the SEACOOS IM system in their day to day work. SEACOOS should make an effort to identify clear target user groups (“customers”); contact representatives of those groups; determine specific requirements; and design the next generation of the SEACOOS information management system that will meet those requirements. Thus a requirements-driven approach based upon identified users must be formulated. The Committee recommends that SEACOOS member scientists (modelers, observationalists, etc.) be viewed as one of the primary test user groups. Through internal governance mechanisms SEACOOS can require that its members 1) be users of the SEACOOS IM system in the daily conduct of their own research and other tasks; and 2) provide regular, constructive feedback to the SEACOOS data managers in order to shed light on those aspects of the IM system that require enhancement.