Time series allow us to investigate oceanographic variability across seasonal to interannual to decadal changes in the environment. Since 1989 the Monterey Bay Time Series (MBTS) has collected time series data with ships and autonomous platforms including moorings, AUVs, gliders, and satellites. In addition to tracking environmental change through time, the MBTS provides a contextual setting, data and infrastructure that support new ideas and process studies that use Monterey Bay as a natural laboratory for sensor and platform development. Our data are also used for a variety of purposes inside and outside of MBARI, including research and operational models, research (students and scientists) and management.

The MBTS project seeks to measure key components of marine ecosystems over time including all levels of life in the sea (biodiversity). This information is crucial for protection and management. This project also targets the activity and efficiency of the biological pump – the capture and deep-water sequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Our studies measure the response of marine ecosystems to global environmental change. This information will improve understanding of how marine ecosystems will evolve in the future.