2011 CeNCOOS News Archive

Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep | Aug | Jul | Jun | May | Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan

December 2011

  • CeNCOOS Council Meeting January 9-10th, 2011. The Meeting will be at MBARI in Moss Landing, CA. All are welcome either day. Find out more...

  • New CeNCOOS and Center for Ocean Solutions (COS) Collaborative Website. The site focuses on sea level changes in Monterey Bay, including: a description of the problem, impacts on coastal communities and potential solutions. Go to the Climate Change and Monterey Bay website (Date: 12/13/2011)

November 2011

  • NOAA Grant to Improve Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Warnings. This $4+ million, 5 year award to researchers funded by NOAA's ECOHAB program, CeNCOOS and the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS), will be used to detect and monitor HABs and create ocean models for predicting HAB events. This work will help protect public and animal health on the California coast. See the NOAA press release (Date: 11/29/2011)

  • Wave Gliders Begin Groundbreaking Pacific Ocean Crossing. Four floating robotic devices powered by wave motion and created by Liquid Robotics Inc., were launched from San Francisco on November 17th. Their mission is to cross the Pacific Ocean, the furthest distance ever traveled by an unmanned ocean vehicle. Find out more and see current glider locations (Date: 11/18/2011)

  • CeNCOOS Summer/Fall 2011 Newsletter. Two seasons of CeNCOOS and ocean observing highlights, including: our new CeNCOOS Program Director, CeNCOOS Data Portal version 2.0 released, mystery North Coast marine life die-off report, recent and upcoming CeNCOOS projects and collaborations and more! Read the Newsletter... (11/11/2011)

October 2011

  • NOAA Grant to Advance Red Tide Warnings. A new NOAA grant of over $4 million will study methods for providing early warning of harmful algal blooms (HABs) off southern and central California. The research will investigate HAB “hot spots” in a partnership between CeNCOOS and the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS). The research includes detection and monitoring of HABs and ocean models that could lead to HAB predictions, thus protecting public and animal health in the area. See the NOAA press release (Date: 11/17/2011)

  • La Niña Returns to the Pacific Ocean. La Niña was present last year, dissipated during summer 2011, and started up again in September. Forecasts suggest that La Niña will strengthen during fall and winter months. This type of climate event can affect coastal California's weather and ocean temperatures.  Find out more about the 2011-12 La Niña ... (Date: 10/31/2011)

  • West Coast Regional Associations Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signed. To further the mission of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and serve the requirements for ocean observations, data, and information at the scale of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem, the three regional components of IOOS on the West Coast (CeNCOOS, NANOOS and SCCOOS) recently signed a MOU to expand and strengthen West Coast regional ocean observing collaboration. See the MOU (PDF doc) (Date: 10/25/2011)

  • CeNCOOS Data Portal Version 2.0 Released. This is an improved version of your access point to ocean observing data collected in northern and central California. New observing assets and data sources, improved interactive graphs, more map filter menus and other ways to help you navigate are just some of the changes included on the new CeNCOOS Data Portal (CDP 2.0). Visit the CDP 2.0 (Date: 10/17/2011)

  • Mystery Sealife Die-Off on North Coast. Beginning in late-August, dead abalone, crabs, seastars and others washed ashore on beaches between Pt. Arena and Pt. Reyes. A potentially toxic algal bloom occured in this area in late-August, but researchers are still trying to find the cause of this unique and concerning event. CeNCOOS is involved with the investigation and will post updates. Find out more (Date: 10/5/2011)

September 2011

  • Announcing the New Director of CeNCOOS. The CeNCOOS Governing Council and staff welcome Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld as the new CeNCOOS Program Director.   Dr. Rosenfeld began the new half-time position on September 14, 2011. As the director, she will lead the development of CeNCOOS in coordination with the neighboring Ocean Observing Systems and the National Integrated Ocean Observing System. Find out more about Dr. Rosenfeld. (Date: 9/15/2011)

August 2011

July 2011

  • The CDFG released a draft version Delta Ecosystem Restoration Program conservation strategy for 30-day public review. See the CDFG document (Date: 7/30/2011)

  • California salmon fishing improves as expected good run finally appears. See SF Chronicle article (Date: 7/24/2011)

  • CeNCOOS Spring 2011 Newsletter. A season of CeNCOOS and ocean observing highlights, including: CDP Mobile iPhone App Released, new Changing Ocean webpage, unique new Monterey Bay buoy launched, CeNCOOS staff update, La Niña update, ocean related employment, recent and upcoming CeNCOOS projects, and more! Read the Newsletter... (Date: 7/13/2011)

  • New CeNCOOS Webpage: Changing Ocean. Are the ocean and coastal climate of Central and Northern California changing?  Our new webpage summarizes the types of ocean changes to look for, how they could happen and what recent and historic scientific data tells us. We also discuss forecasts by scientists about ocean changes and which impacts on coastal climate, economies and wildlife may occur. Go to the webpage (7/13/2011)

  • CeNCOOS Data Portal Mobile iPhone App Released! The CeNCOOS Data Portal (CDP) is now available as an app for your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch! The CDP app gives you access to real-time ocean and coastal weather information from the CeNCOOS region while you are on the go. Search 'CeNCOOS' at your app store to download. (7/6/2011)

June 2011

  • Unique New Oceanographic Buoy Launched! A new buoy arrayed with instruments from the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) and Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is currently transmitting data on ocean and weather conditions from offshore Monterey Bay in real-time. CeNCOOS led the effort to bring NDBC and MBARI together for this unique collaboration. Find out more ... (6/29/2011)

  • MBARI Open House 2011. CeNCOOS participated in the MBARI Open House Event on June 25th in Moss Landing, CA. This free annual event includes lectures and videos by MBARI scientists, vehicles on display, activities for kids and more. It was a great opportunity to talk with the public about CeNCOOS projects and plans. The event was well attended, thank you for coming out! Find out more ... (6/23/2011)

  • National Ocean Council (NOC) Strategic Action Plans Listening Session. The NOC are working on strategic action plans to achieve nine national objectives for our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. They would like to hear public comment on their plan outlines. Read the west coast observing systems comments on these plans. Attend this session in Union Square, San Francisco on June 30th. Find out more. (6/27/2011)

  • La Niña Slowly Leaving the Pacific Ocean. La Niña conditions began at the equator in June 2010, strengthened through Fall and may have peaked in February 2011. The La Niña appears to be dissipating now, but may have impacted the cold, wet California weather and cooler ocean temperatures in Spring for California. Find out more about the 2010-11 La Niña ... (6/08/2011)

  • World Oceans Day 2011 - June 8th. The theme for this year was "Youth: the Next Wave for Change." View a list of events happening around California. Listen to Thank You Ocean Report Podcast on this event. Go to the World Ocean Day website.(6/6/2011)

  • Join the Listening Session for National Ocean Council (NOC) Strategic Action Plans. The NOC are working on strategic action plans to achieve nine national objectives for our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. They would like to hear public comment on their plan outlines. The session in our region will be in the SF Bay Area on June 30th. Find out more (6/06/2011)

  • Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS) Seeks Director The Executive Director leads the operational aspects of this Regional Association, under the guidance of the MARACOOS Board of Directors. The position will be based at the University of Delaware, Newark, DE. Open until filled. Apply now! (6/01/2011)

May 2011

  • Heal The Bay 2010 Beach Report Card Released. Heal the Bay’s Annual Beach Report Card® provides water quality information to people who swim, surf or dive in west coast waters. Most central and northern California beaches received good grades, with 15 locations getting perfect scores, but two of the top ten most polluted beaches were in central California. Find out more. (5/25/2011)

  • California Chinook Salmon Recovery in 2011? Salmon fishing is underway but fewer fish than expected are being caught (see Monterey Herald story). The fishery was basically shutdown 2008-10 due to low numbers of salmon resulting from factors including ocean productivity (see the NOAA report). Ocean conditions have been better in the last two years, potentially aiding the salmon recovery. Find out more. (5/25/2011)

  • Spring Algal Blooms Begin in the CeNCOOS Region. Algal blooms often occur in mid-spring months in northern and central California due to coastal ocean upwelling during this time. Some blooms, such as the one in this recent photo from Monterey Bay, are not harmful to humans or wildlife. Find out more and report blooms in your area! (5/05/2011)

April 2011

  • Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative Request for Proposals (RFP). In 2010, BP committed $500 million for 10 years to create an independent research program, the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GRI). GRI goals are to investigate the impacts of BP oil and dispersant on the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Coast States ecosystems. The RFP is for GRI research in 2011-14, letters of intent for this RFP are being accepted until May 9th. See the full story (4/25/2011)

  • California Salmon Recovery in 2011? Recreational salmon fishing is already underway and the commercial season is set to open soon (see the regulations). The last three years have seen a near complete shutdown of these fisheries. Researchers say the collapse of the fishery and 2011 rebound are related to many factors with ocean productivity topping the list. Find out more (4/18/2011)

  • Aquatic Science Center's "The Pulse of the Delta" Report. A publication focused on the ecosystem health of the San Francisco Bay Delta. This first issue of the series includes a discussion of the role water contaminants from agriculture have played in the decline of key fish species in the Delta. See the Report (4/17)

  • Radiation from Japan Tsunami, California Outlook. Radioactive particles from the nuclear facility damaged by the recent tsunami were released into the air and ocean near Japan. Safe amounts of these particles in the air have reached California, ocean born particles may never reach the U.S. and seafood contamination is a looming issue. See the CeNCOOS report (4/12)

  • CeNCOOS Winter 2010-11 Newsletter. A season of CeNCOOS and ocean observing highlights, including: Tsunami in California, CeNCOOS staff and governance changes, La Niña update, IOOS animal telemetry workshop, California white shark survey, ocean related employment, recent and upcoming CeNCOOS projects, and more! (4/3/2011)

March 2011

  • March Storms Help End Califonia's Drought, Future Uncertain. Following a report by the CA Department of Water Resources (DWR) saying the Sierra snowpack is 165% of normal, Governor Brown announced an end to the 3 year drought in California. However, dry conditions may return in the future. See DWR Report | Read Governor Brown's statements on the drought (3/31/2011).

  • Low-level Radiation Reaches California. Radiation from the Japanese nuclear plant damaged in the recent earthquake and tsunami, blown by winds across the Pacific Ocean, was measured at very low levels at California air detectors beginning on the 18th. Radiation is far below levels that are harmful to humans. Read the EPA Report. See the radiation plume animation. Check the CeNCOOS winds page. (3/18/2011)

  • Sion Milosky, from Hawaii, died while surfing Maverick's break. Waves that day were consistently in the 50 foot range and the tide was low when the accident occured. The only other surfer to die at Maverick's was Mark Foo in 1994. Read Santa Cruz Sentinel Article (3/16/2011)

  • Tsunami Waves Damage California Coast. A huge earthquake offshore Japan triggered a tsunami that hit the Northern California coast on March 11th. A series of wave surges caused millions of dollars of damage, mostly in harbors. Governor Brown declared a state of emergency for 4 coastal counties. A tsunami advisory for some areas exists as of 5 PM, March 11th. See CeNCOOS report (3/11/2011)

  • NOAA Solicits Applications for the U.S. IOOS Advisory Committee. The goal of this recently formed federal advisory committee is to provide advice to the U.S. Under Secretary and the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee, which is responsible for planning the future of IOOS. Qualified applicants could be from a variety of science-based fields. Apply by May 16th, 2011. (3/21/2011)

  • Massive Fish Die-Off in Southern California. Millions of sardines died in a Southern California harbor, covering the surface and sea floor. Ocean researchers found domoic acid toxins in the fish, derived from algal blooms, but believe the fish died as a result of using up the oxygen in the harbor water. See story by Southern California Ocean Observing System (3/12/2011)

  • First White Shark Census in Central Califonia. A UC Davis led study using photos of shark dorsal fins found about 220 of the animals live between Bodega Bay and Monterey. Believe it or not, the number is much lower than expected See SF Gate Article | See Science Daily Article (3/09/2011)

  • IOOS Animal Telemetry Workshop. Researchers from around the U.S. working to track migrations of aquatic fish and mammals gathered for a workshop organized by the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) in Santa Cruz, CA on March 2-3, 2011. The goal was to discuss how IOOS can help these projects continue and reach a larger audience. NOAA story about workshop and collaboration (3/8/2011)

February 2011

  • CeNCOOS Seeks Program Director. This position will lead ongoing CeNCOOS development and operations. The CeNCOOS program is hosted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) located in Moss Landing, CA. The Program Director is an employee of MBARI and reports directly to the President and CEO. Find out more and apply (2/23/2011)

  • National Ocean Council Names Coordinating Body Members. The Obama Administration’s National Ocean Council today announced the inaugural members of the Governance Coordinating Committee, a group of state, local and tribal representatives serving as a coordinating body on ocean policy issues. Find out more (2/23/2011)

  • New CDIP Wave Model Viewer Released on CeNCOOS site. Check ocean wave size, period and direction across the state or in your locale, now or in the future, using an interactive model tool developed by the Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP). (2/23/2011)

  • National Ocean Council (NOC) Seeks Public Input. The National Policy for the Stewardship of the Ocean, our Coasts, and the Great Lakes prioritizes nine action areas to address some of the most pressing challenges facing these precious resources.  The NOC will prepare strategic action plans and is seeking ideas to help in development of these plans. Send input to the NOC - until April 29th, 2011 (2/11)

January 2011