Dr. Malcolm Spaulding is founder and principal of Applied Science Associates (ASA), a global company headquartered in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and with offices in Seattle, Brazil, and Australia. The company uses applied science and advanced research to watch the ocean's health and its clients span the globe.Spaulding, professor of ocean engineering and director of the Center of Excellence in Undersea Technology at the University of Rhode Island URI), is now elected the first president of the Northeast Regional Association for Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS).
NERACOOS was established to network and expand the existing observation and prediction capacities of multiple institutions and agencies throughout New England and maritime Canada.
It is one of 11 regional associations developed to support the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, developed to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Integrated Ocean Observing System to observe the nation's coastal waters.
Imaging collection, NOAA.The region includes the waters that lap the coasts of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Spaulding has already proposed a major regional and national initiative to provide meteorological and oceanographic data in support of offshore renewable energy development from tidal currents, waves, and offshore winds.
“Spaulding was nominated to the 18-member board of NERACOOS by the Northeast Regional Ocean Council and represents the state of Rhode Island. The council is a state and federal partnership with a goal of engaging in regional protection and balanced use of ocean and coastal resources.
He also serves as the senior advisor to the members of Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan, which was initiated in August 2008 to assist in the siting of offshore renewable energy facilities.
