Current Status of Accomplishment or Milestone: A talk was presented by a PFEL oceanographer to open the
1998 CalCOFI conference, summarizing oceanographic conditions in the California Current during the past 18 months.
Background: Each year, the CalCOFI conference opens with an oceanographic talk that reviews recent conditions in the California Current. Material for this presentation is provided from a number of Federal, state, and academic sources who are collecting information on this ecosystem.
Purpose of Activity/Goal of Project: The purpose of this presentation is to provide conference attendees, primarily fisheries scientists, a status report of the region's environment.
Description of Accomplishment and Significant Results: Conditions in the California Current during 1997-98 were described using ship survey data, coastal time series and large-scale atmospheric and oceanic fields. Of particular relevance was the impact of the 1997-98 El Niņo on this region. Mechanisms likely to be responsible for local anomalies in the coastal ocean were described. An assessment of environmental conditions that may impact living marine resources also was given.
Significance of Accomplishment (e.g., to the Center, to Management, and to NMFS Strategic plan Goals): The CalCOFI conference is a perfect forum to provide fisheries scientists and managers with up-to-date information on physical conditions in the California Current System. Attendees will use this information in their research and for developing management strategies.
Key Contact: Frank Schwing (831-648-9034, fschwing@pfeg.noaa.gov)