Enhancing the Australian coastal wave buoy network: development, implementation, national coordination and future directions

Context Although long-running, regional wave buoy networks exist within Australia, there remain critical spatial gaps in observations and limited coordination of data standards. These limitations result in challenges for using existing observations for national-scale applications. Aims To summarise the efforts by Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) to enhance the Australian coastal wave buoy network. Methods We outline the development and implementation of a nationally coordinated network, including site expansion, technology evaluation and data standardisation, and assess future directions for further enhancement. Key results IMOS initiatives have included efforts to improve national coordination, data standardisation and data sharing, as well as funding programs to investigate new wave buoy technology, to establish new wave buoy sites, and to develop a national-scale wave-observing program. Conclusions IMOS programs have enhanced the Australian in situ wave buoy network by establishing a nationally coordinated network that includes new sites that fill critical spatial gaps and provides national-scale data standardisation. Future directions include continued gap-filling in shallow and deep waters, integration of additional sensors, and co-location with other coastal observations. Implications IMOS initiatives have supported the enhancement of Australia’s in situ wave observing capability and will provide key data for evidence-based coastal management.