Evaluation of Canada’s meteorological warning services for Arctic Ocean: chapter 7
5.0 Conclusions
Relevance
The METAREA Initiative addresses a lack of robust meteorological MSI in the Arctic and contributes to fulfilling Canada’s international commitment to the IMO to assume responsibility as the Issuing Service according to the IMO timetable.
METAREA Initiative bulletins do not duplicate in any significant way other information available to mariners, although there are several new initiatives underway in the North by other government departments that may have implications for the METAREA Initiative or offer opportunities for collaboration and synergies.
The METAREA Initiative is aligned with federal priorities for promoting Arctic sovereignty, and supporting the development of potential in the North, and is aligned with departmental strategic outcomes related to ensuring that Canadians are equipped to make informed decisions on changing weather, water and climate conditions.
Performance
The METAREA Initiative is meeting targets with respect to quality and accessibility of meteorological, sea state and ice information, with bulletins expected to address international standards, geographical coverage, and unmet needs for ice information by the end of 2014-15. While some evidence suggests that mariners are using meteorological, sea-state and ice information in their operations, this evidence is anecdotal given the early stage of program implementation and monitoring. No significant unintended outcomes of the METAREA Initiative were observed.
The METAREA Initiative is being delivered as designed and intended despite, occasional operational and staffing challenges. No alternative program approach or potential service provider is in evidence, governance and roles and responsibilities are clear and appropriate, and actual program spending has been relatively consistent with planned spending. A potential future design enhancement could include an expansion in dissemination channels as internet operability in the North permits.
The Initiative is viewed as efficient, in large part due to the application of a rigorous project management system, leveraging of existing core weather and ice production systems, and collaborations. Cost recovery is not viewed as a viable design option and is felt to be at odds with the core mandate of the Initiative to provide information for maritime safety.
A performance measurement strategy has been approved for the program, and annual reports are issued based on a collection of almost 30 performance indicators, most of which have targets established. While considerable data collection is occurring, there is less client-centered information to assess the achievement of intended outcomes regarding use and usefulness of the METAREA Initiative information products and services.