The U.S. Mid-atlantic coast is a region of dynamic change, with dramatic seasonal variation in biodiversity driven by temperature and oceanographic processes, powerful storms, climate change, and…

The U.S. Mid-atlantic coast is a region of dynamic change, with dramatic seasonal variation in biodiversity driven by temperature and oceanographic processes, powerful storms, climate change, and infrastructure development. Iconic endangered species such as north atlantic right whales and atlantic sturgeon and important fishery species such as striped bass and coastal sharks undergo long-distance annual migrations through the region. Other commercially important species such as atlantic sea scallops and black sea bass are year-round residents dependent on unique oceanographic features like the mid-atlantic cold pool. Maracoos has a demonstrated history of success in observing (e.g. HF radar, satellites, gliders), modeling, and delivering oceanographic data products to meet stakeholder needs. The proposed project builds on the strong maracoos foundation, adding expertise in edna, acoustic and satellite telemetry, and soundscapes to leverage focus on biodiversity information and knowledge (FIG. 1). The assembled project team will address mbon and ATN priorities to understand patterns and changes in biodiversity and make substantial progress towards developing the monitoring and assessment programs of the future through data integration across biological and oceanographic scales and data types, and the development of new tools for interacting with, visualizing, and accessing data 1,2. In particular, the project team will advance the transition from seasonal (e.g. trawl surveys) and intermittent, short-term studies to coordinated, CO-located observations and models on a monthly- to daily-scale with local and regional data and information tools. Federal managers and stakeholder partners are fully engaged in the project team (see letters of support). High-profile public education materials will enhance awareness of mbon and ATN.