The Centro Oceanográfico de Baleares (Balearic Oceanographic Centre - COB) is one of nine coastal centers that the Instituto Español de Oceanografía (Spanish Institute of Oceanography) operates along the Spanish coast. Since its foundation in 1906, its primary objective has been to apply a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to investigate the sea environment and its diversity, the marine ecosystems and the dynamics of their living resources. Currently, a team of about 80 people work to respond to the main challenges of the oceanographers today: climate change, biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and management of marine ecosystems, protection of habitats and modelling and prediction of ocean dynamics. The COB conducts research projects, scientific monitoring programs, technologic development and innovation transfer actions and outreach activities, as well as training of researchers and technical personnel in marine sciences. All these activities are conducted using modern scientific and technical equipment. The research conducted at the COB is determined by R+D+i programs made by different administrations, which are inspired by societal needs, social welfare and the principles of sustainable development. The COB is largely funded by the European Commission, the R+D+i Plans of the Spanish and the Balearic Governments, and the national and regional administrations for environment and fisheries. This research is primarily directed toward the study of: -Oceanographic processes in the western Med; in particular the sea around the Balearic Islands, with a focus on oceanographic changes driven by climate change. -The ecology and population dynamics of commercially exploited species, and the study of the biotic and abiotic factors affecting these species and their ecosystems. -The development and transfer of technical measures for the protection of the marine environment and biodiversity conservation.