FOSTER-LIS is made possible, in concept and in practice, largely due to the generosity of Cross Sound Ferries, Inc. Thanks are due particularly to John and Adam Wronowski for their early and sustained support, in the form of in-kind use of the ferry for oceanographic sampling and providing the research team access to the vessel. Continuing cooperation and technical assistance from Dick Sise and the captains and crews of the MV John H. has been essential to project success. Funding to establish FOSTER-LIS came from the Connecticut Sea Grant College Program through award R/ER-21 in 2002. Continued support has been provided via the Long Island Sound Study through cooperative agreement LI-97106001 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. At the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography, Dan Codiga coordinates the project. Peter Cornillon provides guidance, particularly about data management. Graphic design of the outreach poster, displayed in the ferry passenger area, is by Darrell McIntire. At the University of Connecticut, Dirk Aurin managed sampling instrumentation, and developed data reduction and analysis methodology. Dennis Arbige installed and maintained system electronics, including navigation and real-time data display equipment. Gary Grenier designed and built custom mounting hardware. Jim O’Donnell helped facilitate equipment loans. John St John and colleagues at Hydroqual Inc. provided suggestions on the format of the gridded data products. FOSTER-LIS is part of a joint sound-wide Long Island Sound Ferry-based Observation System. Colleagues Bob Wilson and Duane Waliser established the SoundScience program and carry out similar ferry-based oceanographic sampling in central Long Island Sound. |
