Málaga Real-Time Observatory (MARETO) is an underwater observatory equipped with sensors that enable the real-time collection of oceanographic data for different studies. The infrastructure consists of a surface buoy with a submerged structure, which contains critical equipment. Among the instruments included in the system are an AquaDoppler for measuring water currents up to 12 m below the surface, a MaxiMet meteorological station for recording atmospheric conditions (temperature, pressure, humidity, solar radiation, and wind), and a complete SBE thermosalinometer that measures temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbulence of the water column.

All the datasets are sent to the Spanish NODC at IEO-CSIC headquarters for permanent storage and access. The data records are checked and flagged in delayed mode for quality control in a semi-automatic standard procedure and stored in MEDAR/MEDATLAS-SDN format to optimize their usability.

In compliance with the agreements established under the LifeWatch Alboran project and the commitments made with the City Council of Málaga, the collected data are periodically published.