The 3rd Forum of GOOS Regional Alliances (GRAs) just took place at the Breakwater Lodge of the Graduate School of Business of the University of Cape Town, South Africa, 14-17 November 2006. The GRAs organized the Forum, which was open to all Member States of the IOC. More information.

163 scientists from 29 countries attended the WCRP Workshop on Understanding Sea-level Rise and Variability, hosted by IOC in Paris, 6-9 June 2006. The final statement and recommendations from the workshop are now available on-line.

As a contribution to the workplan of the Global Earth Observing System of Systems, GOOS is seeking to 'identify lead international entities and national focal points for ocean observation efforts that can articulate national goals for their ocean observing sector and coordinate national activities with other designated national entities in order to evolve toward a truly global system of ocean observations'. Further information on how to participate in this activity is available in IOC circular letter 2199.

This volume provides an update of recommendations to 2006 and has been expanded in areas such as sea-level observations for tsunami warning, real-time data transmission and practical experiences with various sea-level measurement techniques. The manual is available on PSMSL site or directly. Hard copies of the manual will be available in November 2006.