Characterization and Indicators of Oceanographic Conditions

Spatial patterns and temporal variability in water temperatures, currents and other oceanographic conditions play an important role in the dynamics and structure of marine populations and ecosystems. This project seeks to assemble and synthesize a variety of in-situ and remote-sensing ocean and atmospheric data to depict ocean conditions along the North Coast relevant to understanding the processes that drive the region’s biological variability. The resulting data products will characterize ocean conditions for the 20-year period leading up to the implementation of the MPAs and will be updated as baseline field studies are conducted. Results from this work will provide context for comprehensive analyses of baseline and future MPA monitoring and are critically important for helping researchers determine whether observed biological patterns are due to differences in fishing pressure or natural variability in fish populations.