The MONICAN web page provides access to real-time or archived measurements and operational forecasts of the oceanographic conditions prevailing in the Nazare Canyon area of influence. Near real-time measurements in the Nazare Canyon area are collected hourly by the MONICAN network. This network includes two multi-parametric platforms measuring waves, meteorogical parameters (wind, atmospheric pressure, air temperature and relative humidity), sea surface temperature and (for one of the platforms) water temperature in the upper 200m and currents in the upper 100m. The MONICAN network also integrates two coastal tidal stations providing sea surface level measurements in the ports of Nazare and Peniche , and one coastal meteorological station providing meteorological measurements in the area of Ferrel. The near real-time data is presented in graphical form (namely by combining observations and forecasts) and can be accessed in table form. Forecasts of the wave conditions affecting the coast of Nazare are also included.

The "Acqua Alta" research tower consists of a platform containing an instrument house, supported by a steel pipe structure, similar to that of an oil well derrick. The pipe structure is hammered 22 m into the bottom through each of its four hollow legs. Energy is supplied at 125, 220, 380 VAC (50 Hz –remote activation), along with continuous voltage 12 and 24 VDC. The tower can host two technicians and three scientists for several days and allows specific dedicated campaigns and long-term measurements. A broadband wireless communication system between the tower and the operating Institute allows 10 Mb/s data communication rate and real time data availability. The bridge allows the tower to be part of the Institute LAN so all the scientists on board can access internet and potentially the instruments could be controlled remotely. Measurements routinely acquired with periodic sampling concern biology, chemistry, physical oceanography. Autonomous instrumentations cover atmospheric and hydrological parameters with a series of meteorological stations and oceanographic instruments. A direct view of the sea condition around the tower is available continuously by the three high resolution webcams installed on the roof. Two underwater webcams are installed at -3 and -12 m to observe biological populations and to monitor potentially critical phenomena such as jellyfish swarms and mucilaginous macro aggregates. Given the high level of security and wide desk space, sophisticated instruments can be hosted on board reducing drastically the risk of loss (when not in service the tower is locked and a video surveillance is active). The good level of logistic support allows the setup of in situ experiments.