The unique socio-ecological setting of the Tijuana Estuary, its diversity of ecosystems, and a long history of science-based management, education, and outreach make the Reserve an ideal “living laboratory.”  A primary focus of the Research Program is to track short-term variability and long-term change of local estuaries through monitoring, and many of the monitoring efforts have been in place for decades.  At the heart of this is the NOAA NERR System-Wide Monitoring Program, or SWMP.  Reserve-based monitoring provides a foundation for a variety of research projects, carried out by universities, agencies, and Reserve staff.  The Reserve’s GIS and mapping also provides information crucial for better understanding and managing coastal ecosystems.