The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced its Integrated Ocean Observing System is awarding $1,395,763 in 2008 funding to support ocean observing efforts in Central and Northern California that it says is a vital tool for tracking, predicting, managing and adapting to changes in coastal and ocean environments.

Funding will go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, where Steven Ramp, program director for the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System, will oversee development and management of regional needs for coastal and ocean information by monitoring environmental conditions, helping manage protected marine areas and delivering data and information to customers as requested.

Underwater vehicles, buoys and other ocean data tools will be used to respond to various emergencies.