The Cooperative Fisheries Oceanography Research Team (CFORT) is based at Cal Poly Humboldt and conducts research focused on the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem, particularly that portion off northern California. We use a variety of research approaches including oceanographic data collection, laboratory analysis of chemical and biological samples, numerical and statistical modeling, and development and application of ecological theory.
Our work supports the California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment and the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), providing scientific information that contributes directly to improved management of marine fisheries and living marine resources in an ecosystem context.
Our Research
Ocean and Ecosystem Observations on the Trinidad Head Line
We use ocean cruises, shore observations, and an autonomous glider to collect data on plankton ecosystem variability in coastal waters off Trinidad Head in northern California. This research gives insight into how coastal ecosystems respond to seasonal cycles and larger scale climate dynamics, and contributes to a much broader coastwide collaborative effort to understand the dynamics of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem.
Learn more about our Trinidad Head Line research
Our Collaborations and Outreach
Our team collaborates with several agencies and institutions including:
- Other Southwest Fisheries Science Center programs
- NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center
- Cal Poly Humboldt
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- Bodega Marine Laboratory / University of California, Davis
- Oregon State University
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- California Sea Grant
- Farallon Institute of Advanced Ecosystem Research
- Other marine science institutions along the U.S. West Coast
In addition to our scientific mission, we seek to enhance future research and management capacity in marine sciences by providing training and research opportunities in scientific fields critical to the NOAA mission for students in the College of Natural Resources and Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt.
Our Team
Team Leader: Eric Bjorkstedt
