As part of the ever growing Ocean Observations Systems of the Mediterrean the Cyprus Coastal Ocean Forecasting and Observing System (CYCOFOS), shows what is possible for a sub-regional forecasting and observing system. Using a combination of real time observing systems and the creative use of GOOGLE Maps the CYCOFOS web site presents a variety of data in forms accessible to the public and accomplished scientist alike.

The CYCOFOS sub-regional forecasting and observing system in the Eastern Mediterranean Levantine Basin, covers the coastal and open sea areas of Cyprus, Cilician and Lattakian basins and the Eastern Levantine Base. The CYCOFOS was initially developed by the Cyprus Oceanography Centre in early 2002.

Figure 1: Argo national contributions 

In 1999, a small group of oceanographers outlined a plan to set up an array of profiling floats to monitor the state of the upper 2 km of the global ocean. The initial objective was to maintain a network of 3,000 units, in ice-free areas, providing both real-time data and higher quality delayed mode data and analyses to underpin a new generation ocean and climate models. The programme was called Argo.
By late  2007, as a result of remarkable international collaboration, information sharing and the solution of complex technological problems, the 3,000 float target was reached and the array has remained above 3,000 floats ever since despite the global economic downturn. 

Most importantly all Argo data were, and continue to be, made freely available.