The May 2013 GRF VI, under the guidance of Zdenka Willis, chair of GOOS Regional Council, was attended by Representatives from 11 GRAs plus GOOS SC, IMOS, SOOS, PACIOOS, GODAE OceanView and OTN provided for wide ranging discussions on the role of the GRAs in furthering GOOS principles. The Forum reviewed and accepted the GRA guidance document, "GOOS Regional Policy 2013", which has been approved by the IOC Assembly, and forms a clear basis for expectations and interactions between the GRAs and the GOOS Steering Committee. It was recognized that GRAs deliver services through the mediation of ocean models and analysis tools. The GRAs agreed that cooperation, sharing, capacity building and emphasis on modeling systems could be strong unifying mechanism for Global GRA participation. The GRAs were impressed with presentations about Ocean Tracking Network and other animal tracking programmes, and recommends their inclusion into future GOOS Biological Panel deliberations.The GRAs are committed to continuing the assessment of GRA capabilities begun by the GRF, and suggested expanding the assets and human asset map to include modeling capabilities. Continuously updated information about physical assets and human assets of the GRAs is essential to maintain communication and identify strengths and gaps in the GOOS observation networks deployed at regional scales. The GRAs are committed to contributing timely information on their activities to the GOOS project office and to maintaining the spirit of collaboration achieved at the Forum.
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