The MARNET measuring network consists of various measuring stations in the German Bight and the western Baltic Sea. They automatically register marine data such as temperature, salinity and surface currents. There are 9 automatically measuring stations and 7 further buoys, which only measure the sea state. This measuring network is operated by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH).
The aim of the BSH's monitoring of the marine environment is to obtain observation data systematically and on a long-term basis. The review and evaluation of these data allows conclusions to be drawn about the quality status of the sea and about changes in the marine climate and marine communities.
Marine environmental monitoring contributes to predicting the impact of natural and man-made (anthropogenic) changes on marine resources, coasts and coastal populations. Marine environmental monitoring supports policy decisions and coastal zone management.