V1, 7/18/05 28 university-based extension activities as compared to those associated with an incorporated RA or the private sector.   The traditional definition of extension as provided in the Executive Summary—   “Extension interprets research results that have matured sufficiently to be developed into applications for users. Extension is both responsive and opportunistic.”—is inadequate to support a real-time operational system. Professionals with expertise and skills in information/data management and technology transfer to prospective users must be entrained.  A planned and proactive, as compared to a “responsive and opportunistic” approach is required. The Extension effort has characterized user groups into categories based on the extent to which ocean observations data and data products are used in their operations—that is super, intermediate, or end user and direct beneficiary.  While this is an interesting exercise, the classification system is not relevant to an operational ocean observing system where there is a more direct “customer” relationship. It is recommended that SEACOOS prepare a detailed inventory of specific regional and state governmental entities and business and industry clientele in the SEACOOS domain. SEACOOS should conduct user needs workshops for the government, business and industry, and educational sectors of the users to focus the priorities for identification of requirements- driven data and data products. Additionally, it should engage extension personnel in documenting longitudinal impacts of the ocean observing system. Where major user needs are not addressed by the SE observing system (for example, the high priorities of land use and habitat change identified in the Coastal States Organization needs assessment), the extension effort must be prepared to tap other data sources and/or broker necessary contacts (including interactions with other parts of the IOOS network) to address these high priority user needs. The needs assessment must be augmented with cost-benefit analyses to determine prospective economic benefits achieved through the application/use of SE RCOOS data and data products. The magnitude of potential benefit to be achieved will assist in sorting and setting of internal extension priorities from those to be handled by the private sector.  The cost-benefit analysis will also assist the RA in the development of its business plan. Education- SEACOOS is building upon complementary existing education efforts in Sea Grant and COSEE as a way of leveraging federal investment into ocean observing activities.   However, the current level of funding is insufficient to mount credible K-16 and “free choice” educational activities in the SEACOOS domain. It is sufficient, however, to develop prototype educational activities that can be scaled up at the time the system becomes operational. It is necessary to develop specific educational objectives and defined target audiences and to develop a funding plan that ensures comprehensive education program coverage of the SEACOOS domain.  Considering the current funding pressures on pre-college education throughout this country, compounded by the added costs associated with the compliance with educational standards, new program directions