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.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Grants and Subsidies
- Loans
- Expanding to more markets /finding new customers
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are considered one of the most dangerous threats to coastal ecosystems worldwide in terms of biodiversity preservation and food security. HABs forecasting models integrating Earth Observation (EO) data and other environmental parameters can contribute to a better management of aquaculture activities to mitigate the HABs impact. Forecasting tools are of great interest to monitoring authorities and aquaculture producers.
- Others/ No specific audience
- Public or private funding institutions
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
HAB indicators for bloom occurence and species type were succesfully derived from EO data and demonstrated to users. Integration in predictive models needs more reference data. Further validation is required; further operationalisation is ongoing.
