Observing the California Current since 1949 to understand and predict the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems

The California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) is an oceanographic and marine ecosystem research program off the coast of California that holistically studies the physics, biogeochemistry, and biology of the marine environment to inform the sustainable management of marine resources in the context of climate change.

Join us to celebrate CalCOFI’s 75th anniversary this year!

OCEAN OBSERVING IN CALIFORNIA

Celebrate the Past, Showcase the Present, Envision the Future

A joint conference hosted by SCCOOS, CeNCOOS, and CalCOFI

CalCOFI 75TH ANNIVERSARY TIMELINE

This timeline has been created to commemorate the many historical events of CalCOFI from the past 75 years. Many of these pivotal moments have gone on to have greater impacts in our community and world. We hope you enjoy reviewing the many wonderful things CalCOFI has achieved over its 75 years thus far!

Oceanographic Data

Temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and many more environmental variables from CTD sampling and underway systems

Marine Ecosystem Data

Marine mammals, seabirds, fish eggs & larvae, zooplankton, phytoplankton, primary production, bacterioplankton, and eDNA from net tows, CTD sampling, and underway systems

Latest News

Next Cruise:

2501RL

3 – 30 Jan 2025 (28 days)
FSV Reuben Lasker
San Diego to San Francisco

Loading 16 – 18 Dec 2024 (10th Avenue Marine Terminal)
Offloading 31 Jan 2025 (San Francisco)

More Info »

CalCOFI conducts four research cruises per year; typically in January, April, July, and October. 

Cruises depart from and return to San Diego, CA and occasionally San Francisco, CA. Depending on the season and number of stations targeted, cruises are between 15 to 25 days.

Check the Cruises page for dates of upcoming cruises and summaries of completed cruises. 

CalCOFI is a unique partnership between government and academic organizations including NOAA’s Fisheries Service, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography.