Description
Remote sensing observations can provide near-real-time assessments of water quality, enabling informed decision-making for managing aquaculture, shellfish harvesting, and related restoration efforts. In addition to timely, current observations, historical data can offer predictive insights into water quality across coastal and freshwater environments. Satellite observations can be used to detect water temperature, turbidity, and salinity—factors that impact harmful algal blooms (such as vibrio outbreaks) and significantly affect fishery and aquaculture operations.
This three-hour introductory workshop will provide an overview of NASA remote sensing data and its applications in supporting shellfishery activities. We will introduce observations from multiple satellites that offer frequent and enhanced spatial coverage for monitoring water quality parameters in coastal and freshwater areas. (Note: This workshop will be conducted in-person at the National Shellfisheries Association's 118th Annual Meeting, and there will not be an option to attend remotely.)
The workshop will cover:
- Remote sensing concepts for water quality parameters;
- Relevant NASA missions and data products for detecting HABs (such as chlorophyll-a, water temperature), total suspended solids (TSS), water transparency, and salinity;
- Interactive web tools for near-real time analysis and visualization of the above parameters; and
- Hands-on exercises to build experience in using the tools for assessing these data and then facilitating selection and monitoring of aquaculture sites.
No prior knowledge or experience with remote sensing is required to attend this training.