In this book we have examined the role of remote sensing as applied to the
dynamics and variability of the coastal ecosystem. We have included an assessment of
the current status of remote sensing instrumentation and analytical approaches available
for measurement of coastal “fingerprints”, supported by real case studies with proven
results. The potential and role of integrated data systems (current remote sensing
capabilities supplemented with archived data and parallel data sampling) for use in
policy development and implementation are also addressed and supported with specific
examples of successful implementations of this approach. Finally the individual
authors of the chapters in this book have surveyed the plans for development of
satellite-borne sensors specifically designed for use in the coastal zone, and assessed
the opportunities for improving our understanding of coastal ecosystem processes and
effectively managing coastal habitats using satellite data.
2. Science Applications
To summarize, for those potential readers who may still be hesitant to tackle the
technologically sophisticated field of remote sensing, we have included within the
‘Science Applications’ section of this book four papers that exemplify the state-of-theart in integrating remote sensing and science. These are:
• the development of a near real-time index (“Ocean hot spots”) that maps
the potential for coral bleaching on a global basis (Skirving et al.)
• a thorough analysis of estimating chlorophyll a concentrations in coastal
waters where the nature of the signal interactions are considerably more
complex than in Case 1 or ‘blue’ waters (Schalles)
• the theory and practical application of a modeling tool for spectral
analysis in coastal and deep waters (Gege and Albert), with the program
provided on the accompanying CD
• an examination of the actual biological processes of coral reefs and the
potential for analysis and scaling up with remote sensing (Brock et al.).
The global ‘bleaching warning’ products described by Skirving et al. (Chapter 2) have
been validated in the ‘real-world’ experiment by providing notice of the 1998 bleaching
on the Great Barrier Reef before the local management was aware of it. This has led to
a formal alliance between NOAA of the United States, who developed the products,
and The Australian Institute for Marine Science (AIMS) and the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to further refine the indices and build them into the
ongoing management of the Reef. These products are now available on-line through
the Coral Reef Watch and include the current Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) and
maximum DHW since the start of the historical analysis in 1985. Managers are alerted
by a warning symbol when the ‘Hot Spot’ value is greater than zero. The symbol
grows and size and flash intensity as the severity of the heat stress increases over the
season. Current work in progress includes 1 to 4 week forecasts and improved products
for climate modeling. This surely is a clear demonstration of the value of satellite
based data for day-to-day resource management.
Schalles (Chapter 3) reviewed the considerable knowledge of radiative transfer in
Case 1, or ‘blue’ waters. The bio-optics are largely based upon the interaction of
radiation with living phytoplankton cells, organic tripton or detritus from the death and
decay of phytoplankton cells, and dissolved organic matter produced by phytoplankton
309
Recommendations for Scientists and Managers
dynamics and variability of the coastal ecosystem. We have included an assessment of
the current status of remote sensing instrumentation and analytical approaches available
for measurement of coastal “fingerprints”, supported by real case studies with proven
results. The potential and role of integrated data systems (current remote sensing
capabilities supplemented with archived data and parallel data sampling) for use in
policy development and implementation are also addressed and supported with specific
examples of successful implementations of this approach. Finally the individual
authors of the chapters in this book have surveyed the plans for development of
satellite-borne sensors specifically designed for use in the coastal zone, and assessed
the opportunities for improving our understanding of coastal ecosystem processes and
effectively managing coastal habitats using satellite data.
2. Science Applications
To summarize, for those potential readers who may still be hesitant to tackle the
technologically sophisticated field of remote sensing, we have included within the
‘Science Applications’ section of this book four papers that exemplify the state-of-theart in integrating remote sensing and science. These are:
• the development of a near real-time index (“Ocean hot spots”) that maps
the potential for coral bleaching on a global basis (Skirving et al.)
• a thorough analysis of estimating chlorophyll a concentrations in coastal
waters where the nature of the signal interactions are considerably more
complex than in Case 1 or ‘blue’ waters (Schalles)
• the theory and practical application of a modeling tool for spectral
analysis in coastal and deep waters (Gege and Albert), with the program
provided on the accompanying CD
• an examination of the actual biological processes of coral reefs and the
potential for analysis and scaling up with remote sensing (Brock et al.).
The global ‘bleaching warning’ products described by Skirving et al. (Chapter 2) have
been validated in the ‘real-world’ experiment by providing notice of the 1998 bleaching
on the Great Barrier Reef before the local management was aware of it. This has led to
a formal alliance between NOAA of the United States, who developed the products,
and The Australian Institute for Marine Science (AIMS) and the Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to further refine the indices and build them into the
ongoing management of the Reef. These products are now available on-line through
the Coral Reef Watch and include the current Degree Heating Weeks (DHW) and
maximum DHW since the start of the historical analysis in 1985. Managers are alerted
by a warning symbol when the ‘Hot Spot’ value is greater than zero. The symbol
grows and size and flash intensity as the severity of the heat stress increases over the
season. Current work in progress includes 1 to 4 week forecasts and improved products
for climate modeling. This surely is a clear demonstration of the value of satellite
based data for day-to-day resource management.
Schalles (Chapter 3) reviewed the considerable knowledge of radiative transfer in
Case 1, or ‘blue’ waters. The bio-optics are largely based upon the interaction of
radiation with living phytoplankton cells, organic tripton or detritus from the death and
decay of phytoplankton cells, and dissolved organic matter produced by phytoplankton
309
Recommendations for Scientists and Managers