The Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) is a regional association that was established in 2004, in response to a growing national priority to develop and maintain a network of observing systems.
What is Ocean Observing?
Ocean observing uses various physical, biological and chemical sensing technologies to add to our knowledge of changing ocean conditions and to enhance coastal management, allowing for more informed decision-making.
Regional & National Ocean Observing
The CeNCOOS is part of an evolving national framework of integrated coastal observing systems covering all US coastal areas. This national framework is called the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS).
CeNCOOS is one of eleven geographically distinct members of the Nation Federation of Regional Associations that comprise the coastal ocean component of IOOS. The geographic extent of CeNCOOS includes from Point Conception north to the California-Oregon border and from the coastline out to 200 nautical miles (the seaward extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone). CeNCOOS includes bays and estuaries in this region.