Research Technical Report

The SIMoN Website as a Tool for Sharing Monitoring Information Over the Internet

Pederson, J., S. Lyberg, and S. Smith (November 2003)

Poster presentation at the Western Society of Naturalists Meeting, Long Beach, CA

ABSTRACT

SIMoN, the Sanctuary Integrated Monitoring Network, is a comprehensive, longterm program designed to promote better understanding and protection of the Sanctuary and its resources. By gathering data on the historical and on-going monitoring efforts of over 40 research institutions operating within the MBNMS, SIMoN is able to provide important information to researchers, managers and the public. The internet is the primary medium SIMoN uses to disseminate this monitoring information. For each of the major habitats and issues in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary the SIMoN website shares overview information, maps and graphs, details on current and historic monitoring projects, educational materials, and links to other relevant websites. Coupled with an internet mapping application that allows users to create maps using MBNMS GIS data layers, the SIMoN website is an innovative new approach to sharing monitoring-based information with a wide audience. SIMoN is a collaborative effort, managed by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in cooperation with the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.