Title: Phytoplankton monitoring and mapping using NOAA OAR/AOML satellite data products for urban waters ecosystems.

Presenter(s): Carolina Perez

Date: 21 October 2024 2:05 pm – 2:35 pm ET

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About Speaker: Carolina Perez

Abstract:  Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) significantly threaten coastal communities and public health, impacting marine ecosystems and local economies. These blooms indicate potentially toxic phytoplankton and reflect broader environmental issues such as eutrophication, runoff, and the effects of weather events on coastal areas. My research focuses on the monitoring of HABs in New York City waterbodies, specifically Randall’s Island and the Gowanus Canal, in collaboration with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)and the National Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN). The Gowanus Canal, a notable study area, was designated a Superfund site by the EPA in 2010 due to its severe contamination from runoff and combined sewage overflow.During my time at AOML, as part of my NERTO research project, I helped develop a research technique by combining satellite data and ground-based data to develop interactive web tools to enhance the real-time monitoring of marine ecosystems. While a NOAA AOML NERTO Intern, I contributed to enhancing sustainability and resilience for marine ecosystems and coastal communities. AOML’s Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Dynamics (OCED) branch employs satellite observations to analyze sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (CHL) levels in water bodies. Using the Environmental Research Division’s Data Access Program (ERDDAP), data on SST and CHL I was able to generate detailed maps of these parameters using MATLAB. Integrating satellite-based data with in-situ measurements offers a powerful approach to understanding the health of both open ocean and coastal ecosystems. Combining these data sources, the research aims to create synthesis products that examine algal blooms and their dynamics.The results are from the NOAA EPP/MSI CSC NERTO graduate internship project that was conducted with NOAA mentors Dr. Chris Kelble and Dr. Enrique Montes of the NOAA Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Dynamics (OCED) branch. This NERTO aligns with NOAA CSC’s goal of Resilient Coastal Communities and Economies through the theme of Oceans and Coasts. The NERTO deepened the intern’s understanding of NOAA’s research practices by giving me firsthand experience with the teamwork and dedication of a NOAA research team.