The near-shore environment is highly dynamic and thus requires continuous sensor-based observations to capture event-scale phenomena for comparison with changes in coastal marine ecosystems. The SCCOOS automated shore station (SASS) network provides critical data within the near-shore region to make these comparisons. SASS data can also be used to investigate linkages between nutrient discharge from POTWs (e.g., OCSD), and phytoplankton blooms (including harmful algal blooms), and to assess timing, extent, and duration of OAH events along the coast. Fisheries managers, state regulators, and modelers all benefit from reliable water quality and OAH observations to characterize nearshore variability. OAH is of strong agency interest in the Southern California Bight as exemplified by the SCCWRP Bight ‘18 Regional Monitoring Program, with which SCCOOS actively partners. The SCCOOS Automated Shore Stations (SASS) Program is an integrated network providing critical long-term measurements from four piers across southern California. The shore stations comprising the network are (from north to south): Stearns Wharf (SW) Pier, Santa Barbara; Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica; Newport Beach Pier, Newport Beach; and Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) Pier, La Jolla. The SASS Program provides continuous and high-quality observations of essential ocean variables (EOV) in support of ocean health and coastal-ocean water quality in real-time for use by coastal managers, agencies, researchers, and the general public.