Algae evaluated from space
EU project Joint Monitoring Programme of the Eutrophication of the North Sea with Satellite data (JMP EUNOSAT)
Algal growth monitoring and assessment in a coherent manner using satellite observation. This was the aim of a two-year EU project bringing together national monitoring institutes in all countries bordering the North Sea.
The project used ocean colour satellites to monitor chlorophyll-a concentrations in the surface layer of the water column. We developed quality controlled satellite data products of the entire North Sea, using historical earth observation data archives and new data from the European Copernicus Sentinel programme.
We also built a set of reference and assessment levels for nutrients and chlorophyll-a that will enable coherent assessments for OSPAR (Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic) and the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Cross-border assessment areas with similar ecological and physical functioning were identified.
The project furthermore developed a proposal for cooperation between North Sea countries, leading to more cost-effective joint monitoring of eutrophication. We were inspired by collaboration in the Baltic Sea, where chlorophyll assessment and reporting make use of combined satellite and ship-based data.
An EU project to support the implementation of the second cycle of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (DG ENV/MSFD (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) Second Cycle/2016).
* EU grant 11.0661/2017/750678/SUBIENV.C2
* 2 year project, started 15 February 2017
* 14 partners in all countries bordering the North Sea