Analysis document (DeciDe)

The aquaculture industry is subject to challenges such as threats from potentially harmful natural algae blooms (HABs) in the sea water surrounding the aquaculture sites. However, in order to implement efficient mitigation actions an early warning of the harmful algae bloom events are essential. The main objective of this study is to identify, demonstrate and validate the benefit of using satellite Earth observation information in support of the existing decision making processes for disaster management operations, and exemplified through the existing actions established for harmful algae bloom monitoring in Norwegian waters in support of the aquaculture industry.

In Norway, a national HAB monitoring service, operational during the main bloom season from March to October, has been build up. This ALGEINFO service publishes weekly its information about the algae bloom situation on a non-restricted web-site. During alert bloom situation the information frequency and efforts for monitoring are increased, and an operational co-ordination centre is established for performing analysis of the situation, making decisions and disseminating information to the industry, the public and media

It appears that the early warning capability of the current monitoring system is limited due to the small number of offshore stations. A more regional approach including EO-derived environmental information may contribute achieving an earlier warning, which is necessary for successful mitigation actions. Potential benefits of including use of EO products is also acknowledged for (a) better integration of the regional dimension of the HAB, and (b) potential improvement of regional co-operation with neighbour countries