The continuous monitoring stations are used to monitor water quality parameters including depth, water temperature, salinity, pH, chlorophyll, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen using YSI 6600 data sondes with the Clean Sweep Extended Deployment System, which wipes the sensors at 15-minute intervals. These stations provide long term measurements that can be supplemented with shorter term monitoring, such as the DATAFLOW cruises, and other process-oriented studies.
The fixed stations are designed to be free standing, away from piers and dock areas where boat traffic may lead to episodes of increased turbidity. 
The stations are placed at a depth of approximately 1.5 meters MLW. At each fixed station a piling is driven into the sediment and is surrounded by a protective frame. A perforated 4” PVC pipe is mounted to the piling. Within the PVC housing, an YSI 6600 data logging sonde is secured 0.5 meters above the bottom. Sondes are deployed for a maximum of 7 - 10 days. Deployment duration is dependent upon the fouling regime of the area in which the sonde is located. Upon return to the laboratory the sondes are post calibrated, cleaned, and routine maintenance is performed as needed. The sondes are then stored until they are calibrated just prior to their next deployment. All calibrations and maintenance are completed in accordance with the YSI, Inc. operating manual methods (YSI 6-series Environmental Monitoring Systems Manual; YSI, Inc. Yellow Springs, OH).