Citation:

Bernard, S., M. Bresciani, J. Cannizzaro, H. Duan, C. Giardino, P. Glibert, C. Hu, R. Kudela, T. Kutser, L. Robertson Lain, R. Ma, E. Matta, M. Matthews, F. Muller-Karger, G. Pitcher, S. Roy, B. Schaeffer, S. Simis, M. Smith, I. Soto, E. Urquhart, AND J. Wolny. Observation of Harmful Algal Blooms with Ocean Colour Radiometry. International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group, Dartmouth, Canada, 2021. https://doi.org/10.25607/OBP-1042

Impact/Purpose:

Ocean colour radiometry offers considerable potential for the observation of harmful algal blooms (HABs). HAB-related observations are often seen as high impact motivating factors for ocean colour and/or bio-optical components of coastal observing systems. However, this potential has not been fully realised for several reasons: the sizable uncertainties associated with ocean colour applications in the optically-complex coastal zone; observation systems not fully cognisant of the ecological role of the wide variety of potentially harmful algal blooms across global coastal ecosystems; and a lack of consolidated information regarding the suitability of available ocean colour techniques for HAB application to different ecosystems. The ocean colour and harmful algal bloom scientific communities would gain a great deal by identifying and addressing these issues. The combined IOCCG/GEOHAB Working Group, aims to produce a highly approachable “consumer’s guide” to ocean colour-based harmful algal bloom methods: objectively summarising the state of knowledge with regard to ocean colour and HABs; examining and demonstrating the suitability of various ocean colour approaches through bloom case studies from different ecosystems; and examining published and potential research and operational HAB applications. The ecosystem-specific nature of optimal ocean colour based HAB observations, the technical difficulties of using ocean colour in the optically-complex coastal zone, and the need to understand the limitations of ocean colour for deriving phytoplankton community composition will be primary focus areas.

Description:

Humans are exposed to harmful algal blooms (HABs) through a number of different pathways including ingestion, inhalation, and dermal uptake. Good water quality is necessary to support drinking water supplies, aquatic life, as well as recreation in, and on, the water. These resources all support economic success, together with human health and social well-being. It is important to have scientific understanding of potential HAB events in order to inform water quality management decisions towards protecting biological, physical and chemical water quality characteristics. We highlight the need to transition from HAB satellite ocean colour research to operational knowledge and action across inland water bodies, estuaries and coastal waters as a new and important aspect of Earth observations. We note, with emphasis, that the requirements for the development of operational HAB products and services differ in character from those aimed primarily at research applications.

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