Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System SOCIB

The Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (SOCIB) is a Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS, in its Spanish acronym), managed by a Consortium created by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science and the Autonomous Community of the Balearic Islands in 2007. In 2020, the CSIC was incorporated into the structure of the SOCIB Consortium. Located in Parc Bit, Palma, it has a multidisciplinary team of 50 people with a common goal: to monitor, observe and forecast the Mediterranean Sea and to advance in the knowledge, understanding, and sustainable management of the ocean in a context of global change. In order to achieve this, SOCIB operates an observing system that continuously monitors the western Mediterranean, collecting data through multiple platforms including high-frequency coastal radars, comprehensive beach monitoring systems, ocean gliders, Lagrangian observation platforms (ARGO profilers and surface drifting buoys), oceanographic buoys, meteorological and sea-level stations, and the Research Vessel (R/V SOCIB). Modelling and forecasting systems complement the observing infrastructures to integrate multi-platform and multidisciplinary observations and generate predictions. The data obtained from observations and model predictions can be accessed in real-time and in open access through the SOCIB website (https://socib.es/) in line with the EU Open Data strategy. As ICTS, it offers competitive access to the R/V SOCIB and the glider fleet and also offers other specific oceanographic services. Furthermore, through its Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) strategy, it encourages open access to its scientific and technical production and the transfer of knowledge, thus facilitating the application of its capabilities in R&D&I, connecting with researchers, marine and maritime end-users, decision-makers, companies, and citizens. To do this, it designs and implements viewers, early-warning and prediction systems, applications, among other ocean products, to promote evidence-based marine and coastal management and support the blue economy and mission-oriented innovation. In addition, SOCIB works towards accelerating a shift in ocean literacy in Spanish culture, developing activities and resources for all audiences.