Ocean Networks Canada will host the 2018 PICES summer school on “Coastal Ocean Observatory Science” will consist of lectures, field expeditions, laboratory demonstrations of ocean sensors, and a ‘hands-on’ introduction to sensor calibration and data quality/data assurance techniques. The scope of the lectures, demonstrations and exercises will cover sensors and sampling equipment used to measure physical, biological, chemical, and biogeochemical properties of coastal waters of British Columbia (Canada). A variety of high-resolution fixed and mobile-platform time-series data-sets will form the basis of the demonstrations and hands-on exercises. Data-sets will include: deep-basin and surface measurement time series (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen); active acoustics (echosounder and acoustic Doppler current profiler); passive acoustics (hydrophones); video imagery; and biogeochemical sensors (e.g. Chlorophyll and CDOM fluorescence, and pCO2).

The curriculum will include detailed lectures from local experts, at-sea and laboratory demonstrations of sensors, and training in statistical analysis of high resolution time-series, in situ calibrations, QA/QC protocols, and automated analysis of underwater imagery. Participants will also be introduced to the Salish Sea during a mid-week field trip onboard sensor-equipped ferries that will include lectures and visits to the Vancouver Aquarium and the Deep Bay Marine Field Station.