Remote Sensing of Toxic Algal Blooms

KAUST researchers have developed a method to detect harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Red Sea using satellite imagery, which could enable real-time monitoring of the region’s vital resources.

Traditional monitoring is costly and labor-intensive, but satellite-based remote sensing offers a more efficient solution. Rajadurai A. Gokul, a Ph.D. student at KAUST, and colleagues from KAUST, Yemen, and the UK, adapted existing satellite algorithms to detect HABs using NASA’s MODIS-Aqua satellite. The model accurately predicted the spatial extent of the blooms and matched field observations.

The team also developed an atmospheric-correction algorithm to account for dust storms and aerosols in the region, improving the accuracy of ocean-color data and reflectance measurements. This enhancement allowed them to detect HABs and identify species involved.

The team is now analyzing historical satellite data to understand the seasonality and variability of algal blooms. Further refinements could detect additional species.

This method holds promise for real-time detection and alerts, helping manage the Red Sea’s coastal zone, crucial for aquaculture, fisheries, and tourism.

🔗 Read more on KAUST Discovery

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