Cencoos propose new infrastructure investments to align their efforts with evolving drivers and stakeholder needs to deliver a more efficient, timely, reliable and useful observing system

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) a $1.301 million cooperative agreement under the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) program (CFDA 11.012) effective June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2028. The award funds infrastructure recapitalization and modernization projects designed to enhance the efficiency, timeliness, and reliability of CENCOOS's (Coastal and Regional Ocean Observing System for the Central Coast) ocean observing capabilities. Key deliverables include recapitalization of aging high-frequency radar equipment and systems to support sea surface current data for ocean weather and climate prediction, recapitalization of glider platforms and associated sensor and telecommunications infrastructure, development of a data processing tool and graphical user interface for pH data enhancement and quality improvement, and procurement and deployment of animal tags and telemetry equipment to support marine sanctuary operations and ecosystem health monitoring.

These infrastructure investments align with IOOS program objectives to reduce the transition period from research to operational ocean observing technologies and to provide coastal communities with improved tools for marine environmental monitoring, climate resilience, and safe maritime operations. The projects support multiple stakeholder needs including weather and climate forecasting, water quality assessment, ecosystem health, fisheries management, and coastal hazard preparedness across California's marine regions.

Projects include: recapitalizing aging high frequency radar equipment and systems in support of sea surface current data for predicting ocean weather and climate variability and change, and supporting safe and efficient transportation and commerce; recapitalizing aging glider systems; recapitalizing sensors, logging and telecommunications systems and related infrastructure, for applications supporting health ecosystems and water quality, as well as preparedness and risk reduction for coastal communities; building a data processing tool and graphical user interface (GUI) for enhancing and modernizing the timeliness and quality of PH data, a PH OA GUI; and procuring and using animal tags and telemetry equipment in support of needs for national marine sanctuaries, fisheries and related needs for supporting healthy ecosystems and predicting ocean weather and its impacts.