Remote sensing–derived products for physical and ecological oceanography

Problem addressed

• Satellite systems alone do not provide sufficient spatial or temporal resolution in coastal areas for operational uses and local management.
• Compliance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) requires validated and comparable indicators that many administrations and companies cannot generate internally.
• Fisheries, ports, offshore energy, and emergency services need ocean data interpretations that translate science into operational decisions.
• River plume dynamics (nutrients, contaminants) are critical for coastal water quality, but effective monitoring requires combining observation, modelling, and near-real-time remote sensing.

What we do and how we do it

• We generate satellite applications integrating optical, infrared, and other sensors to produce maps of physical variables (sea surface temperature, chlorophyll, turbidity) and ecological variables (biomass, ocean colour).
• We design climate indicators (marine phenology, extreme events) and environmental indicators aligned with WFD and MSFD requirements, adapting methodologies specifically for coastal and nearshore waters.
• We provide sector-specific interpretations (fisheries, offshore energy, port management, emergency response), tailoring products to end-user needs (maps, alerts, dashboards).
• We develop river plume monitoring products, identifying extent, pathways, and impacts on coastal water quality.
• We validate and calibrate products within European projects to ensure robustness and comparability.

Key benefits

• Locally resolved products with clear operational value.
• Tools that support compliance with European environmental regulations.
• Actionable information for decision-making in maritime sectors.
• Improved capacity to anticipate ecological risks and changes in river plume dynamics.
• Strengthened positioning of AZTI as a provider of advanced ocean observation solutions.