Result description
What is the problem
Because phytoplankton constitute the base of the trophic net in marine environments, changes in phenology affecting the growing season have impacts in ecosystem functioning and productivity. Phenology is also a sensitive indicator of climate change. More and more studies are now providing evidence that the plankton’s distribution, abundance and seasonality is altering as their habitat warms, uncoupling the marine food chain. Traditional monitoring is not capturing the phenology indicators on the scales required.
CoastObs solutions
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 temporal coverage. Remote sensing of ocean colour constitutes an invaluable tool for construction of consistent time series and phenology indicators over large areas and long periods of time.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- To raise awareness and possibly influence policy
- Grants and Subsidies
- Expanding to more markets /finding new customers
CoastObs offers yearly information to ecologist and (inter) national water management agencies. The following phenology metrics for the dominant phytoplankton bloom can be created:
- Start timing (day of year)
- End timing (day of year)
- Length (days)
- Peak timing (day of year)
- Base concentration (mg m−3)
- Maximum concentration (mg m−3)
- Amplitude (mg m−3)
- Number of distinct blooms per year
- Public or private funding institutions
- EU and Member State Policy-makers
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
Methods for deriving phenology indicators have been identified and tested to some extent. In concert with users, final indicators will be chosen, operationally produced and validated
The services can be rolled out to other areas
Methods are well documented
Earth Observation is a sustainable way of monitoring
- Global
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by WATER INSIGHT BV
