MEDIT_ES_CatalanCoast_SL: Quality-controlled historical timeseries of temperature and salinity profiles (CTD) from the MEDITS_ES cruises along the Catalan coast

Abstract

This dataset contains a validated historical time series of vertical oceanographic profiles (temperature and salinity) collected during the MEDITS (International Bottom Trawl Survey in the Mediterranean) research cruises. Launched in 1994, this international program was originally designed to assess demersal fishery resources through standardized scientific surveys. In response to the ongoing climate crisis, these cruises have integrated an ecosystem-based approach, establishing environmental monitoring as a core scientific objective to characterize the physical habitats of marine species. Oceanographic sampling was conducted at each station using Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) probes. The devices recorded continuous vertical profiles throughout the water column, spanning from the surface down to a maximum depth of 800 m on the continental slope. To ensure vertical consistency and facilitate their reusing, the high-resolution profile data have been vertically integrated and are presented exclusively at standardized depth levels. These primary physical variables are essential for tracking thermal anomalies and climate change impacts in the Mediterranean Sea—a recognized global warming hotspot. Furthermore, they provide critical inputs for species habitat modeling by correlating fishery resource abundance with specific oceanographic preferences, and for identifying water masses and circulation dynamics governing larval and nutrient dispersal. This specific sub-dataset is restricted strictly to the geographical area of the Catalan coast (Northwestern Mediterranean). The data records presented here have undergone a rigorous quality control and validation process specifically tailored to this historical time series. This meticulous filtering and homogenization of data anomalies and inconsistencies ensure the scientific robustness and reliability of the physical parameters, making this dataset highly suitable for ecosystem-based fisheries management, climate trend analyses, and ecological modeling in the region. In alignment with current open science mandates, this dataset has been structured to strictly adhere to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles. The dataset is formatted as an Ocean Data View (ODV) generic text file, fully compliant with international SeaDataNet (SDN) standards. To ensure interoperability and standardization, all parameters and metadata are mapped using SDN Controlled Vocabularies (such as the P01 and P02 vocabularies for variables). Data quality has been systematically assessed and flagged using the SDN Quality Flag Scale. Providing these validated historical records under these rigorous standards guarantees that the data is not only robust but also immediately ready for advanced ecosystem modeling and global climate change meta-analyses.