TOPP

Tagging of Pacific Predators is a project of Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Institute, which works closely with the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California. TOPP was launched as part of the Census of Marine Life, a multi-species tagging project based in the North Pacific, and consisting of a partnership among many organizations and research facilities. TOPP's work enables scientists and website visitors to learn about the mysterious depths of the world's largest ocean through the eyes of the creatures who live primarily in the zones offshore. Data transmitted through the tags is transmitted to a live-access server, which is displayed in a collection of detailed maps. To date, TOPP researchers have tagged more than 2000 animals from 23 species, including leatherback turtles, giant tuna, squid, and albatross. CivicActions work with TOPP includes development of the Great Turtle Race site, as well as a temporary jump page from the race, and coming soon, a newly designed and interactive website.