Evaluation and quality control of CO-OPS coastal water temperature data

The NOAA Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) is the authoritative source for reliable, accurate, and timely data on tides, water levels, currents, and other coastal oceanographic and meteorological information, including coastal water temperature. COOPS services support safe and efficient maritime commerce and transportation, safeguard public health and safety, and foster resilient coastal communities. Coastal water temperature monitoring is essential for safe navigation, as it impacts ocean density and circulation patterns, and for assessing the health of coastal flora and fauna, as many species are sensitive to rapid changes in temperature. An understanding of the seasonal patterns and trends in water temperature aids coastal communities and practitioners in decision-making, and helps marine and freshwater biologists understand climate variability and its effects on local ecosystems, thereby enhancing knowledge for nature-based solutions.