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The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies
(CIMAS) was established in 1977 in the University of Miami's Rosenstiel
School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS). CIMAS serves as a mechanism
to promote synergisms between University scientists and those in NOAA. CIMAS
research is largely partnered with NOAA Research, NOAA Fisheries, and recently
with NOAA Satellites and Information Service. CIMAS scientists collaborate
primarily with scientists at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological
Laboratory and the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, both are located
on Virginia Key in close proximity to the CIMAS/RSMAS campus.
CIMAS carries out research in six theme areas: (1) Climate Variability
- Investigate the dynamics of the ocean and the atmosphere and the ways
in which they interact on interannual and longer-scales and the link to
climate variations; (2) Fisheries Dynamics - Enhance our understanding
of fisheries and ecosystem dynamics so as to improve the management of fisheries
and marine protected species; (3) Regional Coastal Ecosystem Processes
- Carry out research on the ecological health of coastal ocean ecosystems
in the Southeast U.S. so as to lead to better management strategies; (4)
Human Interactions with the Environment - Study human interactions and
impacts on the environment so as to provide a scientific basis for environmental
decision-making; (5) Air-Sea Interactions and Exchanges - Understand
the energy exchanges and interactions between the atmosphere and the oceans
and the consequent effects on atmospheric and ocean mixing and circulation;
and (6) Integrated Ocean Observation - Study the integration of modeling
and physical measurements in the ocean and the atmosphere so as to achieve
optimal designs of observing systems.
Annually, CIMAS scientists publish approximately 100 scientific publications,
of which 70% appear in peer-reviewed publications. A large portion of the
research conducted by CIMAS scientists is carried out in the context of
the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration initiative. That initiative is a
unique long-term program. It seeks to reverse the damage caused by the massive
diversion of the water flows associated with rapid population growth and
the consequent impact on the Everglades and on coastal ecosystems. Other
major programs focus on a wide range of weather and climate-related issues,
ranging from studies of the factors affecting hurricane activity to preparing
forecasts of the impact of ENSO cycles on agriculture in the southeast US.
CIMAS's research activities assist NOAA in three of its Mission Goals: 1)
Protect, restore, and manage the use of coastal and ocean resources through
an ecosystem approach to management; 2) Understand climate variability and
change to enhance society's ability to plan and respond; and 3) Serve society's
needs for weather and water information.
