AIR Centre explores the possibility of detecting zooplankton from space

André Valente, Head of the AIR Centre's Space Systems and Applications program, presented a research at the 2025 International Ocean Colour Science Meeting, held in Darmstadt, Germany in December 1-4, exploring how satellite observations can monitor zooplankton distributions in the North Atlantic.

Conducted as part of the CliN-BluFeed project, the study investigates whether satellite-based ocean color and lidar data can track Calanus spp., a key zooplankton genus in marine food webs.

The research combines acoustic backscatter profiles from autonomous underwater gliders and surface vehicles with ocean color data from Copernicus Sentinel-3 and NASA's PACE satellites. The team examines whether distinct spectral features can identify Calanus-rich waters and explores NASA's ICESat-2 lidar capabilities to detect subsurface ocean signatures.

Calanus species serve as a vital link in the marine food chain between phytoplankton and larger marine animals. Understanding their distribution is essential for ecosystem management, particularly in response to climate change.

This exploratory work aims to identify spectral metrics sensitive to Calanus presence, compare data from Sentinel-3 and PACE satellites, and evaluate the potential of combining ocean color and lidar measurements for three-dimensional monitoring of these species in Norwegian waters.

The research demonstrates the AIR Centre's approach to advancing ocean observation by integrating satellite remote sensing with in-situ measurements for comprehensive marine ecosystem monitoring.