CARICOMP is a regional scientific program to study land-sea interaction processes in the Caribbean coastal zone. It has been collecting data since 1992, when a Data Management Centre was established at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. Initially it focuses on documenting the structure and productivity of major coastal communities (mangrove forests, seagrass meadows and coral reefs) at relatively undisturbed sites in diverse physical settings. Second, by regular recording of physical and biological parameters, it monitors for change, seeking to distinguish natural from anthropogenic disturbance. Third, it constitutes a regional network of observers, able to collaborate on studies of region-wide events. Examples are presented of the diverse data sets collected by the Program.

Fil: Penchaszadeh, Pablo Enrique. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; Argentina

Fil: Ramírez Ramírez, Javier. Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados. Departamento de Física; México

Fil: Ryan, Joseph D.. Centro de Investigación y Documentación de la Costa Atlántica; Nicaragua

Fil: Geraldes, Francisco X.. Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo.; República Dominicana

Fil: Garzón Ferreira, Jaime. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; Colombia

Fil: Varela, Ramon. Estación de Investigaciones Marinas de Margarita; Venezuela

Fil: Ruiz Rentería, Francisco. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; México

Fil: Dahlgren, Eric Jordán. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; México

Fil: Tschirky, John. Latin American and Caribbean Division; Estados Unidos