A fine-grid (3 km ${ imes}$ 3 km), three-dimensional nowcast system of sea levels, currents, temperature, and salinity is being developed for the Taiwan Strait. The project takes a balanced approach relying equally on models and observations, will have the capacity of real-time data assimilation, and is aimed at both practical and scientific applications. To determine boundary conditions and verify model results, eight coastal tide-gauge stations were first established along both sides of the strait. Strait-wide hydrographic surveys were conducted by research vessels. Currents are being measured using bottom-mounted ADCP moorings in a meridional deep channel off southwest Taiwan and along a traverse section in the central part of the strait. In addition to a fine-resolution three-dimensional model of the Taiwan Strait, an adjoint model and a larger-domain two-dimensional model were used to better determine boundary conditions in the northern and southern boundaries of the strait. In the first stage of model development, barotropic tides were successfully simulated in a hindcast mode. The protocol product has been released to general public, including government agencies, universities and general users.