Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis – August 31, 2026 – The fourth instrument deployment in a new regional marine observation network has commenced in Saint Kitts and Nevis, marking a major step forward in strengthening marine observation and forecasting across the Caribbean. The deployment represents the fourth in a series of installations the Regional Instruments Centre of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) will be performing that will establish a regional marine observation network across Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) Member States.
As part of the CIMH’s Strengthening Institutional Capacity for a Resilient Caribbean Coastal and Marine Environment (RCCAME) project, the initiative is supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) under the Caribbean Action for Resilience Enhancement (CARE) Programme. Financing is provided by the European Union (EU) through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Intra-ACP Disaster Risk Reduction Programme (DRRP). This support is helping to strengthen marine observations, improve forecasting capabilities, and build climate resilience across the Caribbean.
The deployment, which took place during the week of August 31, represents the fourth installation in a regional network of low-cost, sustainable marine observing systems designed to continuously collect and transmit near real-time ocean observations. The first observing systems were successfully deployed in the Turks and Caicos Islands during the week of July 6, 2026. The network will comprise Sofar Spotter Buoys and Smart Mooring Monitoring Equipment, which will measure wave and swell conditions and other key ocean parameters.
The observations will also strengthen the work of CIMH’s Regional Marine Forecast Support Centre (RMFSC) by supporting the validation and continued improvement of the Centre’s marine forecast models used to generate daily forecasts of significant wave height, ocean currents, salinity, sea surface temperature, and other marine products. These services provide valuable information for disaster preparedness and response, marine transportation, fisheries, tourism, coastal management, and other weather and climate-sensitive sectors.
Dr. David Farrell, Principal of the CIMH, described the deployment as an important step towards expanding the region’s marine observing capabilities. Dr. Farrell stated, “The establishment of this regional marine observation network represents a major investment in the region’s ability to better understand and monitor its marine environment. By expanding access to high-quality ocean observations, we are strengthening marine forecasting, improving early warning systems and services, and providing essential data needed to support research, evidence-based decision-making, and climate resilience across the region. Importantly, this initiative further strengthens regional collaboration in the development and delivery of marine information and services upon which CMO Member States increasingly depend.”
Mr. Elmo Burke, Senior Meteorological Officer at the Meteorological Department of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), welcomed the deployment as an important step towards improving marine forecasting, supporting coastal resilience, and providing critical ocean data for national development and disaster risk management. Mr. Burke stated, “The expansion of the marine network in St. Kitts and Nevis through this timely regional initiative will enable us to closely monitor our marine environmental conditions. As a small island developing state surrounded by far more ocean than land, it is important to closely monitor and understand what is happening in our waters, as changes in the marine environment can have significant impacts on activities across our twin island federation.”
Dr. Yves Robert Personna, Senior CARE Programme Manager, Caribbean Development Bank, highlighted the importance of continued investment in regional resilience. Dr. Personna remarked, “For a region of many small island states, where communities and economies are closely connected to the ocean, strengthening marine observations is essential for building resilience. Through our continued collaboration with CIMH, the European Union and other key partners, we are improving the data, tools, and regional expertise needed to strengthen marine forecasts and warnings. This enables timely and informed decision-making in key sectors such as fisheries, tourisms, and marine transport, thereby better protecting Caribbean communities, livelihoods and economies from climate and disaster risks.”
The marine observation network forms one component of the RCCAME project, a 27-month regional initiative designed to enhance environmental monitoring, climate services, impact-based forecasting, and institutional capacity across the Caribbean. In addition to expanding marine observations, the project is strengthening air quality monitoring, advancing climate prediction and data analytics, supporting climate and health research, and improving the region’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to environmental hazards.