Terra em Foco highlights how Earth Observation can support ocean science, from whale detection to invasive algae monitoring

André Valente, AIR Centre's Head of Space Systems and Applications, participated in Terra em Foco – Conferência Nacional de Observação da Terra, the biennial Earth Observation conference organised by the Portuguese Space Agency, held in Coimbra this week.

On the first day of the event, the AIR Centre's researcher opened the "Marine" session with a presentation on "Multi-mission Optical Earth Observation Data for Marine Ecosystem Monitoring: From Intertidal Macroalgae Habitats to Megafauna Detection", showcasing how optical satellite imagery can be applied to marine ecosystems monitoring across different spatial scales. The work covered three complementary applications:

• the use of very-high-resolution GEOSAT imagery (similar to that envisioned for the Atlantic Constellation) to detect whales in Macaronesia and support vessel collision risk assessment;
• Sentinel-2 data to monitor intertidal macroalgal beds and the spread of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae along the Portuguese coast and the Azores;
• NASA PACE hyperspectral data to detect Calanus finmarchicus blooms in Norwegian waters.

This participation reflects the AIR Centre's continued commitment to advancing Earth Observation in ocean science, biodiversity monitoring, and sustainable maritime development. The work presented at Terra em Foco aligns directly with the AIR Centre's strategic focus on Space-based solutions for Atlantic challenges, from ecosystem conservation to climate resilience. [PC, 18 March 2026]