Coastal Real-Time Data Collection Platforms (DCPs)

Working with its partners, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department maintains a network of real-time environmental data recorders. These recorders measure hydrographic parameters including water temperature, salinity and elevation as well as atmospheric observations of wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, rainfall and air temperature in certain specified areas.

All of this information and more is available to the public through the Louisiana Hydrowatch website. http://la.water.usgs.gov/hydrowatch.htm

This map shows the LDWF station locations. Click on the station number below to link to the USGS site and view the current week's data. The list below references the station locations.

Department personnel add the new data each week to the station data sets and graph the current week's data against the long-term average for that station. These data recorders pick up changes caused by storm and frontal passages, changes in river discharge, the operatation of freshwater diversion structures and tidal flow. The Department uses this constant recorder data to find patterns and trends in environmental conditions and in making fisheries management decisions.

DCP Pictures

Station 8