CoastWatch

CoastWatch is a marine environmental monitoring program operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its primary purpose is to provide timely and accurate information about coastal waters to support informed decision-making for resource management, public health, and safety. The program collects and analyzes data on a variety of oceanographic and atmospheric conditions, including sea surface temperature, ocean color, chlorophyll concentrations, and weather patterns.

This data is gathered through a combination of satellite remote sensing, in-situ measurements from buoys and research vessels, and numerical modeling. CoastWatch data is made publicly accessible through online portals, allowing researchers, policymakers, and the public to access vital environmental information. The program plays a crucial role in understanding and responding to issues such as harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification, and the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems. CoastWatch data contributes to a range of applications, from fisheries management and aquaculture to coastal hazard assessment and marine conservation efforts.