Humboldt Bay, the largest estuarine ecosystem on California's North Coast, supports extensive eelgrass beds, tidal marshes, mudflats, and a rich diversity of marine and bird species. The bay is shaped by strong tidal flows, freshwater inputs from surrounding watersheds, and active sediment transport. Its unique configuration—three interconnected basins with a narrow ocean inlet—creates complex circulation patterns and makes the region particularly sensitive to tidal flooding and storm surge.

Low-lying communities and infrastructure around the bay face increasing risks from sea-level rise and extreme weather events. Real-time water level monitoring in Humboldt Bay provides essential data for tracking tides, forecasting flood events, and informing decisions about habitat conservation, infrastructure planning, and long-term coastal resilience.