The south-west coast of Galicia (NW Spain) is characterized by the presence of the Rias Baixas, four large flooded river valleys with a complex coastal dynamic, since these coastal embayments are affected by strong tides, natural and anthropogenic freshwater inputs and especially the upwelling-downwelling cycle. Massive proliferations of toxic microalgae (HABs), are a recurring event in the Galician coast. HABs cause damage to the rias ecosystems and may imply a risk to human health. Moreover, if toxins are detected, mussel production areas are closed causing a strong socio-economic impact. Direct observations are necessary but time consuming and not cost effective.
The launch of the Sentinel satellites has opened up new opportunities for consistent monitoring of coastal ecosystem quality. Satellite methods are faster, more cost-effective and produce map outputs providing a more synoptic view of the study area with a good spatial detail and temporal coverage. Including map products based on satellite images can provide useful information for HABs detection, monitoring and prediction in Galicia coasts. Further validation is required.
