Earth Observation (EO) helps monitor aquatic ecosystems for fishery and aquaculture production by providing critical data on water quality, quantity, and habitat conditions. EO technologies track key parameters like dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll levels, temperature, and water extent, which are essential for maintaining healthy environments for aquatic species. Additionally, EO detects harmful algal blooms and pollution, assesses climate impacts, and supports efficient resource management, ensuring sustainable and productive fisheries and aquaculture operations.
Key Indicators for Monitoring Aquatic Ecosystems and Ensuring Food Security
Water Surface Temperature
Water surface temperature is crucial for monitoring aquatic ecosystems and ensuring food security. It influences aquatic life by affecting metabolism, behavior, and habitat suitability for species such as fish and plants. Temperature changes impact fish health and yields, dissolved oxygen levels, and the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. Additionally, it plays a role in reproduction and spawning cycles, the proliferation of invasive species, and various water quality and nutrient cycling processes.
Water Extent and Level Changes
Monitoring changes in water extent and levels in both freshwater and marine environments is essential for ensuring food security. These changes affect habitat availability and quality for aquatic species, impacting biodiversity and fishery resources. Stable water levels are crucial for aquaculture, irrigation, and agriculture, as fluctuations can affect water quality and crop productivity. Furthermore, understanding water level changes helps manage floods and droughts, mitigate climate change impacts, and maintain essential ecosystem services. Effective monitoring supports sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and agriculture, which are vital for food security.
Water Quality
Water quality indices (WQIs) are essential for assessing the health and suitability of marine and freshwater environments.
- Algal Bloom Detection: Using indices like the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) to monitor algal blooms, which can indicate nutrient pollution levels and potential toxic conditions.
- Chlorophyll-a Concentration: Indicates the productivity of the aquatic environment and potential issues with water quality.
- Ocean Acidification: Monitored by measuring changes in ocean pH, which affects marine life, particularly shellfish and coral reefs.
- Salinity Levels: Monitoring salinity gradients is crucial for understanding the mixing of freshwater and saltwater, which affects species distribution and ecosystem health.
- Turbidity and Sediment Load: Measures water clarity and sedimentation, affecting marine life and habitat quality.
- Pollutant Detection: Identifying and monitoring pollution sources to mitigate impacts on marine life and human health.
Satellite Sensors for Monitoring Aquatic Ecosystems
Sources & further reading
Sources
Further reading
You have covered food security risk factors and their impacts on food security.
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