Observatory On Wings Noaa Research Plane Makes Home In Monterey Will Monitor West Coast Waters

The specially equipped DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft will be used to observe the marine mammals and other ocean life, coastal and offshore conduct investigations, and support in case of emergency and law enforcement missions, said NOAA spokesman Sarah Marqui.. Monday, the National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration formally opened operations from Monterey Peninsula Airport, where one of its 12 fixed-wing aircraft will be stationed at the permanent monitoring of the oceans on the West Coast.