The SMCRI is geographically dispersed, but managed from a Central Coordinating Unit (CCU) based at the Ocean Sciences Campus of the Nelson Mandela University. The central location of the CCU relative to the Sentinel Sites allows for effective financial and operational management. The CCU being integrated with the SAEON Elwandle Coastal Node, means that CCU personnel enjoy full operational support, both in terms of human resources and infrastructure from SAEON, SAIAB and the NRF.