San Pedro Ocean Time-series (SPOT)
Welcome to SPOT! The San Pedro Ocean Time-series (SPOT) is an ongoing collection of oceanographic data from the San Pedro Channel, off the coast of Los Angeles. This data is publicly available and maintained by the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability.
Introduction and Scientific Rationale
In April 1998, the University of Southern California and the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability established the San Pedro Ocean Time-series (SPOT) program to conduct a systematic long-term study of basic oceanographic processes in the San Pedro Channel off the coast of Southern California.
Upcoming Cruise Dates
Spot Cruise Dates * |
Cruise Form Deadline |
|---|---|
| January 21, 2026 | January 14, 2026 |
| February 11, 2026 | February 4, 2026 |
| March 11, 2026 | March 4, 2026 |
| April 15, 2026 | April 8, 2026 |
| May 13, 2026 | May 6, 2026 |
| June 17, 2026 | June 10, 2026 |
| July 15, 2026 | July 8, 2026 |
| August 12, 2026 | August 5, 2026 |
| September 16, 2026 | September 9, 2026 |
| October 14, 2026 | October 7, 2026 |
| November 18, 2026 | November 11, 2026 |
| December 9, 2026 | December 2, 2026 |
* Please note that cruise dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and other unforeseen factors. Registered cruise participants will be notified in advance of any changes to cruise dates.
For inquiries about the SPOT program, please contact spot-research@usc.edu
Methods
Learn more about SPOT sampling methods, including CTD equipment specifications, CTD data processing protocol, and Bottle methods.
Data Archive
Access publicly available data and related information from past SPOT cruises, including dataset summaries, instructions for accessing CTD data, and cruise logs.
Publications and Projects
Review published articles and externally-funded research projects connected with the SPOT program.