For coastal waters, too many nutrients can be a bad thing. Marine algae and plants thrive on nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, so when an excess of nutrients enters the water, algae and plants grow in huge numbers. When they die, they decompose. This process sucks up oxygen that supports other marine life and releases carbon dioxide and toxins. The impacts of these eutrophication events on marine life and the human communities that depend on them can be substantial. Since the 20th century, rapid population growth, industrialisation, and intensive agriculture have been increasing the number of eutrophication events.
This case study presents how Earth Observation can help detect, monitor, and forecast eutrophication status and risks. Highlighting European Union (EU) programmes, services, and tools, including free and open access data and information, we show how different Earth observations support eutrophication assessments, help determine potential impacts and be used to develop effective mitigation and adaptation plans, and create strategies to prevent further eutrophication events.
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Read the full Earth Observation value chain case study: Eutrophication.