CENSOR aims at enhancing the detection, compilation and the understanding of El Niño and La Niña effects on the coastal zone and its resources, to mitigate damage, better use beneficial effects, and thus improve the livelihood of human coastal populations. Therefore, CENSOR is expected to be of high economic and social interest. A multidisciplinary approach, including Latin American and European specialists, aims at developing a comprehensive picture illustrating the response of the upwelling ecosystem to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. Coastal benthic communities, pelagobenthic exchange processes, riverine input and resource variability will be compiled and analysed comparatively. Aquaculture demands to compensate and decrease EN dependence in coastal fisheries will be addressed. Integrated database information will enhance the understanding of mechanisms and processes related to life strategies, species interactions and genetics. As one strategic point, indicators to predict EN events will be elaborated. We will improve the understanding of ecophysiological demands explaining shift s in resource availability, aiming at a better fishery management. Results will be made available at various society levels, including scientists, stakeholders, decision-makers, and coastal human communities.
