The new web portal provides data on a number of indicators that track the status and trends of seven major marine ecosystems across the United States as well as a national synthesis.

“From using machine learning to develop critical atmospheric datasets to creating an experimental system for rapidly assessing causes of extreme events, these new awards will expedite climate science discoveries and build the library of resilience solutions needed to protect all sectors of our economy and environment.”

Participants identified rising ocean temperatures; ocean acidification and carbonate dynamics; the impacts of climate variability and change on deep water ecosystems; extreme events; and the ability to predict and project these changes at temporal and spatial scales meaningful to sanctuaries as the most pressing needs.

Originally developed through a 2009 CPO/Coastal and Ocean Climate Applications (COCA) Program project, the tool, called "VCAPS," is designed to assist communities in becoming more resilient to climate change and weather events through local vulnerability assessments and climate adaptation planning.

Participants identified rising ocean temperatures; ocean acidification and carbonate dynamics; runoff and land/sea interactions; the impacts of climate variability and change on deep water ecosystems; extreme events; and the ability to predict and project these changes at temporal and spatial scales meaningful to sanctuaries as the most pressing needs.