To assess ocean environmental quality, large datasets from global observing systems and networks (e.g., GOOS, EMODnet) are needed. These need to be complemented by the development of cost-effective technologies and integrated monitoring systems, which can enhance long-term data collection, expand geographical coverage, support the study of physical and biological marine processes, and enable continuous ecosystem monitoring. In this context, Citizen Science initiatives also represent an effective means to broaden observations, raise awareness, and connect society with marine research.
This session focuses on marine ecosystems and processes, observational and monitoring technologies, and the assessment of anthropogenic impacts. Special attention will be given to the design and application of innovative, cost-effective, low-cost and do-it-yourself technologies as well as integrated monitoring approaches. Multidisciplinary contributions are encouraged, combining models, in-situ and remote monitoring, and citizen science to develop methods, technologies, and best practices for biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem restoration, and the sustainable use of marine resources. Topics include the effects of natural and anthropogenic pollution on biota; impacts of global change on marine ecosystems; new approaches for marine environmental monitoring, marine resources and process studies; cost-effective technologies development; marine citizen science applications; advanced methods for data collection and processing; benthic and pelagic community dynamics; and the economic evaluation of natural capital.
Orals: Mon, 4 May, 16:15–18:00 | Room 1.34
With global warming, extreme weather frequently occurs, yet the consequences remain unexplored. A total of 156 heat waves and their characteristics were detected on the basis of a temperature dataset from 1954 to 2022 in Jiaozhou Bay (JZB). The increment is 0.62 times decade−1 for the number of heat waves, 6.65 days decade−1 for the sum of participating heat wave days and 0.66 days for the duration of each heat wave. The intensity of heat waves showed regular fluctuations with progressively shorter periods. Based on the dataset of 12 stations in JZB from 2003 to 2022, the zooplankton abundance was significantly greater during heat waves, which was strongly attributed to the greater abundance of copepods and gelatinous zooplankton during heat waves. However, the responses of plankton to heat waves were seasonally heterogeneous. Our study provides new insight into and a scientific basis for understanding the effects of heat waves on offshore plankton ecosystems.
How to cite: Sun, X., Wang, J., Zheng, S., Zhao, Y., and Zhu, M.: Long-term trends of heat waves and ecosystem responses in Jiaozhou Bay, China, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-4600, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-4600, 2026.
The effects of extreme climate events on phytoplankton, particularly under different warming patterns, remain uncertain. This study simulated three temperature scenarios: constant temperature (control), gradual warming and a marine heatwave (MHW), and investigated their impacts on the growth and metabolism of Phaeocystis globosa (P. globosa). Both warming treatments significantly inhibited total cell growth of P. globosa but resulted in different effects: growth inhibition was manifested mainly as the inhibition of the growth of colonial cells, whereas the growth of solitary cells was inhibited only during phase III of gradual warming, indicating that colonial cells are more sensitive to warming. In terms of metabolism, gradual warming significantly increased the content of transparent exopolymer particles (TEPs) and hemolytic toxins per cell; the MHW increased only the TEP content per cell but did not significantly influence the dimethylsulfide (DMS) content per cell. These findings suggested that P. globosa may adopt growth inhibition and metabolism enhancement strategy in response to temperature stress. This strategy exhibited the following temporal dynamic characteristics: the response to gradual warming occurred in phases II (days 6–10) and III (days 11–15), whereas the response to the MHW was delayed and became significant only in phase III after the MHW had ended. Overall, this study highlights the differences in the effects of different warming modes (gradual and extreme) on phytoplankton, and the consideration of the lag effect is crucial for assessing the ecological influence of MHWs, providing critical insights for predicting the population dynamics of phytoplankton under climate change.
How to cite: Wang, J., Sun, X., Zheng, S., and Guo, S.: Effects of gradual warming and marine heatwaves on the growth and metabolism of Phaeocystis globosa, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-4656, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-4656, 2026.
The expansion of seawater desalination in arid and semi-arid coastal regions produces hypersaline brine discharges that constitute an increasing anthropogenic pressure on marine ecosystems. Although large-scale ecological impacts are often difficult to detect, sub-lethal physiological stress in habitat-forming species may provide early indications of environmental disturbance. Seagrasses are particularly relevant in this context due to their ecological importance, sediment-stabilizing role, and sensitivity to changes in water chemistry. This study investigates the physiological responses of the tropical seagrass Halophila stipulacea to simulated desalination brine exposure using controlled laboratory experiments and biochemical stress indicators.
Intact H. stipulacea plants together with their associated sediments were collected from a protected coastal site adjacent to the Marine Science Station in the Gulf of Aqaba. The Gulf of Aqaba is a semi-enclosed, oligotrophic basin characterized by limited water exchange and increasing coastal development, making it particularly sensitive to localized anthropogenic pressures such as desalination activities. After laboratory acclimation, seagrass–sediment units were maintained under controlled conditions and exposed for two months to elevated salinity treatments of +1%, +5%, and +10% above ambient seawater salinity. These treatments were selected to simulate realistic salinity gradients that may occur in the vicinity of desalination brine discharge zones.
Physiological stress responses were assessed using a suite of biochemical indicators, including antioxidant defense enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-S-transferase) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) as a marker of oxidative membrane damage. The results revealed clear salinity-dependent responses, with progressive activation of antioxidant defenses as salinity increased. At higher salinity treatments, significant elevations in LPO were observed, indicating oxidative damage at the cellular level. Overall, H. stipulacea exhibited measurable physiological stress from +5% salinity onward, while exposure to +10% salinity resulted in pronounced oxidative damage, suggesting a transition from adaptive physiological adjustment to cellular impairment under prolonged hypersaline conditions.
The findings demonstrate that moderate but sustained salinity elevations associated with desalination brine can induce sub-lethal physiological stress in seagrass ecosystems prior to visible structural or ecological degradation. By incorporating intact plants and their sediments, the experimental design better reflects natural plant–sediment interactions and enhances ecological relevance. The applied biomarker-based approach provides a cost-effective and sensitive early-warning framework that can complement conventional monitoring methods. This approach is well suited for integration into environmental impact assessment and long-term monitoring programs aimed at managing anthropogenic pressures on marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Aqaba and comparable coastal systems worldwide.
How to cite: Wahsha, M. A. and Al-Najjar, T.: Assessing Anthropogenic Salinity Stress from Desalination Brine on Seagrass Using Biochemical Indicators in the Gulf of Aqaba, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-16590, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-16590, 2026.
To investigate the occurrence characteristics and ecological risks of microplastics in zooplankton communities of Jiaozhou Bay, a seasonal survey on the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in zooplankton communities was conducted in February, May, August, and November. The results showed that the median number of microplastics per individual zooplankton was 0.25 MP/ind., and the median abundance of microplastics within zooplankton was 2.70 MPs/m³, ranging from 0 to 62.38 MPs/m³. The abundances in May and August were significantly higher than those in February and November (P<0.05). The total retention of microplastic within zooplankton in Jiaozhou Bay was estimated to be 3.19 × 10¹⁰ MPs, with the highest level in August. Fibers were the dominant shape of microplastics found in zooplankton (89%). Most microplastics were smaller than 500 μm, with an average length of 491 ± 454 μm, and those found in August were the longest (P<0.05). The main chemical compositions were polyester fibers and cellophane, accounting for 37% and 19%, respectively. The monthly average values of the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) of microplastics in zooplankton in Jiaozhou Bay were 3.49 ± 2.94 and 4.33 ± 1.31, respectively, both corresponding to the lowest risk level, while the annual average value of the Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) was 55.59 ± 56.84. The overall risk in May and August was higher than in February and November, posing potential threats to higher trophic-level consumers. Temperature, suspended particle concentration, and chlorophyll-a concentration significantly affected the assessment indices and showed correlations or synergistic effects with pollution load, toxicity risk, and bioaccumulation.
How to cite: Zheng, S., Wang, Y., Sun, X., Zhao, Y., Liang, J., and Zhu, M.: Occurrence Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastics in Zooplankton Communities in Jiaozhou Bay, China, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-4606, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-4606, 2026.
Tidal wetland reclamation could profoundly alter ecological function and ecosystem service provision, but its impacts on sediment microbial communities and functions remain poorly understood. We investigated spatial and seasonal patterns of greenhouse gas (GHG) production response to aquaculture activities in mangrove wetlands and unraveled the underlying mechanisms by integrating environmental parameters and microbial communities. Microbial community richness and diversity substantially reduced, and the composition was reshaped. Converting mangrove to chronically flooded aquaculture pond increased sediment CH4 production rates, but reduced N2O and CO2 production rates. Although increasing anthropogenic disturbance in aquaculture pond have reduced microbial community richness and diversity compared to native mangrove wetland, they have increased complexity of species associations resulting in a more complex and stable network. Microbial community richness and network complexity and stability were strongly related to CH4 and N2O production rates, but not significantly associated with CO2 production rates, suggesting microbial community richness, network complexity and stability are better predictors of the specialized soil/sediment functions CH4and N2O production). Therefore, preserving microbial “interaction” could be important to mitigate the negative effects of microbial community richness and diversity loss caused by human activities. Furthermore, as the residual bait accumulation is a severe issue in aquaculture activities, we especially focused on the influence of bait input at time scale through a 90-day incubation experiment, aiming to observe temporal variations of physicochemical properties, sediment microbial community, and GHG production in response to different amounts of bait input. The results showed that dissolved oxygen of overlying water was profoundly decreased owing to bait input, while dissolved organic carbon of overlying water and several sediment properties (e.g., organic matter, sulfide, and ammonium) varied in reverse patterns. Meanwhile, bait input strongly altered microbial compositions from aerobic, slow-growing, and oligotrophic to anaerobic, fast-growing, and copiotrophic. Moreover, both GHG production and global warming potential were enhanced by bait input, implying that aquaculture ecosystem is an important hotspot for global GHG emission. Overall, bait input triggered quick responses of physicochemical properties, sediment microbial community, and GHG production, followed by long-term resilience of the ecosystem. Future research should comprehensively consider microbial diversity, species composition and interaction strength, functions, and environmental conditions to accurately predict soil/sediment functioning and emphasize the necessity of sustainable assessment and effective management.
How to cite: Lin, G. and Lin, X.: Response of greenhouse gas production to aquaculture activities and the underlying microbial mechanisms in mangrove wetlands, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-1496, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-1496, 2026.
Ensuring the sustainability of ocean observing systems has become a central challenge in contemporary marine science, as long-term environmental monitoring increasingly requires instruments that are not only reliable and accurate but also energetically self-sufficient, economically accessible, and easily deployable. In this context, the development of affordable observational technologies is essential to expand measurement coverage and support research, management, and conservation efforts across diverse marine environments.
This work presents MIND (Modular Intelligent Node or Drifter) an affordable and modular oceanographic buoy designed for both drifting and coastal monitoring applications. The system provides high-resolution environmental observations while maintaining low production and operational costs through the use of commercially available components. Its spherical hull integrates a solar-powered energy system that ensures extended autonomous operation, supporting continuous data acquisition over long deployments.
The platform incorporates water temperature and turbidity sensors managed by an ARM® Cortex®-M0+ microcontroller, which handles data acquisition, processing, and power optimization. Accurate geolocation is ensured by an integrated GNSS module, enabling precise spatial tracking throughout the buoy’s trajectory.
To guarantee robust and uninterrupted data transmission, the buoy employs a dual communication architecture: LoRa technology for nearshore communication via land-based gateways and Globalstar satellite connectivity for offshore deployments. The modular hardware design facilitates the integration of additional sensors, making the platform adaptable to a wide range of environmental monitoring requirements.
All collected data are transmitted to a remote server and made openly accessible through the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). These observations will support environmental assessment activities and enhance the validation of numerical models used to investigate coastal physical and biological processes at fine temporal and spatial scales.
By combining affordability, modularity, renewable power supply, and redundant communication pathways, this buoy offers a sustainable, versatile, and scalable solution for expanding ocean observation capabilities in both research and operational contexts.
How to cite: Scanu, S., Madonia, N., and Marcelli, M.: MIND: an affordable modular buoy system for coastal monitoring and drifting oceanographic deployment, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-11137, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-11137, 2026.
Total alkalinity (TA) is the balance of proton acceptors and donors in the ocean. With increasing ocean acidification, TA measurements are more important than ever for monitoring the ocean's buffering system. In situ TA sensors allow us to measure rapidly changing alkalinity in environments like estuaries or coral reefs, or to evaluate marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR) applications. Currently, commercially available and research prototype in situ TA sensors have measurement range and sample frequency limitations. To address this, a cost-effective droplet microfluidic sensor has been developed, utilizing lab-on-chip (LOC) technology to create discrete aqueous droplets suspended in hydrophobic oil. In each droplet, a single-point closed-cell titration occurs, sampling ~0.75 µL every 6 seconds. The small volume, high throughput nature of droplet flow improves on the limitations of current sensors, increasing the effective measurement ranges with alternating titrant acid concentrations. This improves the analytical range and speed of analysis for in situ, high-frequency TA measurements. Here I will present results from an initial closed-cell lab-based prototype and from field deployments on the underway system of a tall ship and in a local estuary. Measurements are in close agreement with those made by equivalent benchtop methods. This technology could offer a new and important tool in the analysis of the marine carbonate system in fast-changing environments.
How to cite: Phillips, M., Nightingale, A., Schaap, A., and James, R.: Droplet in the Ocean: Development and Deployment of Droplet Microfluidic Total Alkalinity Sensors in Wide-Range Environments, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-20017, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-20017, 2026.
Cost-effective environmental observatories are increasingly used to improve the monitoring granularity of coastal and estuarine systems. This work presents the analysis of data collected by environmental observatories based on the InterBox system that is designed to measure key atmospheric and oceanographic variables in riverine, coastal and estuarine environments. The study evaluates the quality and consistency of the recorded time series and explores their potential for the identification and characterization of extreme events.
The analysis focuses on variables including sea level, atmospheric pressure, air humidity and air temperature, which are particularly sensitive to extreme phenomena including storms, storm surges, and rapid atmospheric disturbances such as meteo-tsunamis. Basic statistical methods and threshold-based approaches are applied to identify anomalous signals associated with extreme events, and selected case studies are discussed to assess the system’s performance.
The results demonstrate that cost-effective observatories, when properly calibrated and quality-controlled, can provide reliable information for detecting extreme environmental conditions in coastal and estuarine zones. In particular, InterBox-based systems proved to be a valuable complement to traditional monitoring networks in areas with limited infrastructure, offering a reliable and affordable option for early warning systems while supporting citizen science initiatives.
How to cite: Martinez Osuna, J. F., Piermattei, V., Marcelli, M., Coppinni, G., and Puce, M.: Assessing the Potential of Affordable Environmental Observatories for Extreme Event Detection in Coastal and Estuarine Regions, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-3823, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-3823, 2026.
The far-reaching benefits of citizen science are widely recognized: from empowering individuals to actively contribute to new scientific knowledge, to building relationships and trust between scientists and the public, to the health gains of simply spending time in nature. At present, many citizen science projects take advantage of smart phones as low-cost and accessible method to harvest data over widespread geographical areas. However, limited interpersonal interaction presents a challenge when dealing with multifaceted issues such as invasive species.
Here we review an ongoing citizen science project, which employs a ‘deep-learning’ pedagogy to interact with an unlikely audience. The ‘Oyster Hunt’ takes place in the Limfjorden, Denmark, and engages with both ‘gastro-tourists,’ i.e. those willing to travel to learn about regionally important foods, and the local community. Participants are given a short talk about the ecology of the fjord, before being sent into the water to take samples in and around an oyster reef. Bringing their samples back to sorting stations, the participants then count, measure and weigh data with university research scientists on hand to guide and discuss along the way before learning culinary skills from gourmet chefs. After eating their hunt, the citizen scientists also took part in a reflective survey, digesting what they had learnt that day, what they felt they had achieved and how they felt about themselves as citizen scientists. We present this project as a case study for an alternative citizen scientist approach, whereby a new audience is exposed to the challenges of the changing fjord, learns ecological sampling techniques and then actively engages with the subject through dialogue.
The data collected by the citizen scientists provided a comprehensive look at the invasive pacific oyster community structure which has contributed to our understanding of this species in a unique microtidal environment. In addition to engagement with the participants (N=87 in 2025), the Oyster Hunt has provided a springboard for dissemination online, where the conversation continues. From this example, we propose a framework for developing similar memorable events, as well as providing critique onto our own approach: 1) identifying which issue to engage with; 2) developing a multi-sensory approach to interact with that issue; 3) considering resources needed and fun collaboration; and importantly 4) reserving time to talk and reflect. As a gastro-tourism citizen science collaboration, the oyster hunt not only provided a memorable day out for some, it also provided dedicated time and space to think together about the future of the fjord.
How to cite: Townsend, D., Frietas, P., Sganga, D., Olesen, J., and Saurel, C.: Acquiring a taste for coastal ecology: can we turn foodies into citizen scientists?, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-18574, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-18574, 2026.
The coastal oceans, particularly in developing countries, remain largely unexplored, as most global efforts focus on open seas, resulting in significant data gaps in shelf and coastal waters. Citizen Science (CS) approaches, coupled with increasingly affordable technologies, offer a promising way to monitor the coasts by collecting extensive spatial and temporal data over shorter periods. This study reviewed 1127 marine citizen science initiatives (MCSIs) worldwide, emphasising their contributions to environmental monitoring and coastal observing. Results revealed that only 9% of the reviewed initiatives addressed environmental monitoring (physics, biogeochemistry, cross-disciplinary), with a noticeable global decline in newly formed MCSIs since 2020 across all topics. Environmental monitoring MCSIs were predominantly based in the United States and in global-scale initiatives, whereas resource-limited regions had minimal representation. Temperature, Depth, Salinity, and dissolved oxygen were the most monitored oceanographic variables, and showed strong co-occurrences with other variables. The study highlighted key technologies applied in environmental monitoring, with photography, low-cost sensors, and other oceanographic technologies emerging as the primary tools applied in MCS environmental monitoring. Mobile apps and websites were identified as key tools in facilitating stakeholder engagement, enabling data upload and access. However, data quality control methods were often poorly documented by most MCSIs, affecting the trust in CS-generated data. The study recommends supporting under-resourced regions in adopting CS approaches for coastal observing to bridge the data sparse gap, as well as improving data quality documentation and adopting best practices. MCS has demonstrated a significant potential to complement existing coastal observing systems, as evidenced by examples from New Zealand, Tanzania, and the North-east Atlantic.
How to cite: Kizenga, H. J. and Piermattei, V.: Contribution of Marine Citizen Science Initiatives (MCSIs) in Coastal Environmental Monitoring, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-15841, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-15841, 2026.
Posters on site: Tue, 5 May, 08:30–10:15 | Hall X4
Marine ecosystems are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic and climate-related pressures that impair biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, with thermal anomalies playing a particularly significant role in affecting habitat-forming benthic organisms. In this context, the development and assessment of ecological restoration interventions represent key tools for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the 2030 Agenda.
Within the framework of the RENOVATE project (Ecosystem Approach to the Evaluation and Experimentation of Compensation and Mitigation Actions in the Marine Environment: the case of the Civitavecchia Port Hub), we conducted a pilot coral restoration intervention at the Mano Aperta site (Santa Marinella, northern Latium, Tyrrhenian Sea), focusing on two key Mediterranean benthic habitat-forming species, Cladocora caespitosaand Eunicella cavolini. A total of 120 and 60 fragments, respectively, were sourced from bycatch of small-scale local fisheries, maintained under controlled conditions to allow recovery, and subsequently transplanted at the restoration site. Survival represents the primary indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of ecological restoration activities, particularly in benthic habitats dominated by ecosystem-engineering organisms such as corals. Monitoring activities included the assessment of key health descriptors, such as necrosis, bleaching, tissue loss, and colour changes. In parallel, continuous temperature was recorded at the restoration site to support the interpretation of biological responses under variable thermal conditions.
Here, the performance dynamics of the two corals in relation to the observed thermal anomalies is presented. These results contribute to improving our understanding of environmental thresholds influencing restoration outcomes in Mediterranean coralligenous communities under ongoing climate stress and provide practical insights to inform and refine future restoration protocols.
How to cite: Scagnoli, E., Amore, E., Piermattei, V., La Manna, G., Ceccherelli, G., and Marcelli, M.: Climate-driven challenges to the survival of restored coralligenous reefs: a pilot study on Cladocora caespitosa and Eunicella cavolini in the central Tyrrhenian Sea, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-12918, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-12918, 2026.
Autonomous underwater gliders have revolutionized our ability to monitor the ocean, providing high-resolution vertical sections across vast spatial and temporal scales. Among these platforms, gliders stand out for its high-performance buoyancy-driven design, making it an essential tool for continuous monitoring along programmed routes and effectively bridging the gap between satellite observations and ship-based sampling. However, the transition from raw data collection to standardized, analysis-ready products remains a significant bottleneck due to fragmented and often manual processing workflows. These challenges hinder the rapid integration of glider data into international networks and limit their utility for real-time operational applications.
We present a methodology that automates the transformation of raw data into NetCDF files, incorporating rigorous quality control (QC) protocols and TEOS-10 unit compliance. These protocols align with the established international glider community standards and best practices, ensuring consistency and interoperability of datasets across research programs and observing systems. A key pillar of this approach is a multi-tiered data validation strategy that preserves the original scientific signal while providing transparent diagnostic data files for expert assessment. The developed workflow will enhance the immediacy of analysis and the usability of data acquired by SeaExplorer gliders in accordance with FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles.
By reducing the time between data acquisition and availability, this standardized approach supports the increasing demand for high-fidelity in situ data in modern oceanography. Such frameworks are essential for building a more integrated and reliable global ocean observing system, capable of addressing the urgent challenges of a rapidly changing marine environment.
How to cite: Torelli, B., Neves, S., Fernandez Moniz, P., Arnone, V., Casamayor, M., Piermattei, V., and Marcelli, M.: Streamlining SeaExplorer Data Workflows: From Raw Measurements to FAIR-compliant Datasets, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-19519, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-19519, 2026.
Non-indigenous species (NIS) represent a major global driver of biodiversity loss and alteration of ecosystems functioning. Semi-enclosed and highly exploited marine basins, such as the Adriatic Sea, are particularly vulnerable. As a critical zone for maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture and tourism, the Adriatic Sea faces an elevated risk of NIS introductions, which threaten native biodiversity, disrupt ecosystem services and can incur substantial socio-economic costs.
In response to this cross-border challenge, the Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia ALIENA project (ALIgning Efforts to control Non-indigenous species in the Adriatic sea) aims at enhancing the protection of Adriatic biodiversity through the development of a harmonized, collaborative framework for NIS knowledge, monitoring and management.
Within ALIENA, CMCC is developing and implementing advanced forecasting models to assess conditions favorable to the presence of alien species and their spread through a multi-scale modeling approach. Specifically, the Mediterranean Analysis and Forecasting System (MedFS, NEMO v4.2 - WW3 v6.07 models) provides seasonal and interannual variability of key hydrological and physico-chemical parameters at the basin scale (approximately 4 km of horizontal resolution). For coastal analysis, the Adriatic Forecasting System (AdriFS, SHYFEM-MPI - WW3 models) is employed with a horizontal resolution ranging from approximately 200 m in coastal areas to 2.5 km offshore. In addition, a dedicated coupled modelling system (SHYFEM–BFM) has been implemented for the Apulia Region Pilot Site, featuring a horizontal resolution from 40–60 m near the coast to about 1.5 km offshore.
To enable continuous monitoring of physical and biogeochemical parameters and to detect the occurrence of potential Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), a multiparametric probe has been installed on a buoy in the Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area (MPA), in collaboration with the MPA Consortium. This station provides in-situ measurements of the following variables: pressure, temperature, conductivity (salinity, density), dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll a fluorescence, phycoerythrin fluorescence, chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), providing fundamental datasets for model calibration and validation.
This work presents the results of the modeling and in-situ monitoring activities conducted within the ALIENA project, contributing to the development of an Early Warning System for NIS detection in the Adriatic Sea.
How to cite: Madonia, A., Alessandri, J., Bonino, G., Butenschön, M., Causio, S., Clementi, E., Federico, I., Gomes de Menezes, R., Nascimento Lima, L., Puce, M., Sadighrad, E., Salama, A. T., and Piermattei, V.: Advancing Non Indigenous Species detection in the Adriatic Sea: a multi-scale modeling and monitoring framework within the ALIENA Project, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-9933, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-9933, 2026.
Posidonia oceanica is a key habitat-forming seagrass species in the Mediterranean Sea, and its spatial distribution is widely used as an indicator of coastal ecosystem status. Despite its importance, large-scale monitoring of submerged vegetation remains challenging due to the limited availability of in situ observations and the spatial constraints of freely available satellite data. These constains often limits the effective application of machine and deep learning approaches in coastal environments.
In this study, we present a hierarchical multi-sensor framework that integrates very high-resolution SkySat imagery with Sentinel-2 data to enable scalable mapping of P. oceanica. A Random Forest classifier was first applied to SkySat imagery and validated using diver surveys and single-beam echo-sounder data, achieving an overall accuracy of 92.3% (κ = 0.89). The validated SkySat outputs were then converted into spatially filtered pseudo in situ reference data, which were used to train a shallow, patch-based convolutional neural network on Sentinel-2 imagery.
Patch extraction at 10 m resolution, combined with targeted data augmentation, reduced spectral mixing effects and improved model robustness. The Sentinel-2 CNN classification achieved an overall accuracy of 89% (κ = 0.81). Depth-stratified validation results show that both Random Forest and CNN models performed best at depths shallower than 15 m, with classification accuracy is perpendicular to water column influence. The research results indicate that to an extent, the high-resolution pseudo-labelling can effectively compensate for limited field data and support regional-scale seagrass mapping using Sentinel-2. The proposed framework provides a transferable and cost-effective approach for operational monitoring of P. oceanica and other submerged coastal habitats using multi-sensor satellite observations
How to cite: Varghese, D., Piermattei, V., Madonia, A., Piazzolla, D., and Marcelli, M.: A Multi-Scale Satellite Framework for Mapping Posidonia oceanica Using SkySat and Sentinel-2, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-9686, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-9686, 2026.
Coastal environments are increasingly exposed to multiple human pressures, among which underwater noise represents a growing but still unevenly quantified component. Shallow transitional systems such as lagoons are particularly challenging to investigate acoustically, due to spatially heterogeneous shallow bathymetry, soft muddy substrates, strong tidal forcing, and intense maritime activity linked to navigation, port infrastructure, and tourism.
High-quality underwater acoustic observations are commonly based on hydrophones and dedicated recording platforms, whose costs and operational constraints often restrict spatial coverage and monitoring duration. The recent availability of low-cost underwater acoustic recorders offers new perspectives for dense and flexible observational networks, but their lack of calibration and sensor-to-sensor variability limit their applicability for quantitative soundscape analyses.
We propose an observational and calibration framework designed to enable the quantitative use of low-cost acoustic sensors in shallow lagoon settings. A spatially distributed array of recorders was deployed across multiple sites in the Venice Lagoon, covering complete diel cycles. Sensor responses were characterised and cross-validated through controlled measurements against a reference-calibrated hydrophone, allowing conversion of recorded signals into physical units and improving inter-sensor consistency. Acoustic observations were analysed jointly with ancillary environmental and anthropogenic data, including tidal conditions, vessel presence, and meteorological parameters.
Beyond the methodological developments, the calibrated recordings are used to perform a preliminary examination of the lagoon soundscape, with the aim of identifying dominant temporal structures and investigating the relative roles of natural processes and human activities. Enhancing data reliability and inter-sensor comparability, this approach has the potential to support more robust soundscape analyses in shallow lagoon systems and to inform future geophysical, ecological, and management-focused studies.
How to cite: Carrera, A., Boaga, J., and Boschi, L.: Advancing underwater soundscape in lagoon environments, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-7469, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-7469, 2026.
River mouths are highly dynamic environments that are increasingly impacted by anthropogenic pressures such as upstream damming, and climate-driven changes in discharge and wave regimes. However, long-term, high-resolution monitoring of these sensitive systems is often limited by the cost and spatial coverage of conventional observing technologies. Here, we present an integrated and cost-effective monitoring strategy that combines do-it-yourself (DIY) instrumentation with satellite observations to improve spatio-temporal coverage of coastal processes.
From 2023 to 2025, six bathymetric campaigns were carried out at the Ebro River mouth (NW Mediterranean Sea). These campaigns included bathymetry surveys, the deployment of Lagrangian buoys and CTD measurements. They aimed to investigate the influence of river discharge regimes on the dynamics of this wave-dominated delta, as well as to improve the understanding of sediment transport processes at the river mouth.
Analysis of the campaigns combined with spaceborne observations shows that, during periods of low-discharge, sediment accumulates in front of the river mouth, leading to the emergence of the mouth bar. Additionally, increased wave activity from the southeast increases longshore sediment transport northward. Consequently, waves erode sediment from the southern hemidelta and deposited in front of the river, promoting the closure of the main channel and the formation of a new discharge channel toward the south. These morphodynamic changes directly affect delta stability, habitat distribution and ecosystem functioning, with implications for coastal management and conservation under increasing human pressure.
Keywords: coastal morphology; delta dynamics; anthropogenic pressure; low-cost monitoring; DIY;
This work has been funded by EBRO-CLIM research project PID2024-155310OB-I00 financed by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/FEDER, UE.
How to cite: Peñas-Torramilans, R., Calvillo, B., Pavo-Fernández, E., Puigdefabregas, J., Gracia, V., and Grifoll, M.: From DIY sensors to satellites: a cost-effective approach to monitor morphohydrodynamics at the Ebro River mouth, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-9516, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-9516, 2026.
Posters on site: Tue, 5 May, 10:45–12:30 | Hall X4
Underwater noise is an increasingly relevant anthropogenic pressure in coastal marine environments, particularly near ports, shipping routes, and areas characterized by intense human activities. Although underwater noise is formally recognized as an environmental stressor within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (Descriptor 11), its operational assessment remains challenging. This is especially true in coastal settings, where long-term and continuous acoustic monitoring is often constrained by resource requirements of length and spatial extent.
In this contribution, we present a cost-effective marine hydrophone developed with the specific aim of monitoring anthropogenic underwater noise in coastal environments, prioritizing temporal continuity and operational robustness. The system is designed to describe noise presence, persistence, and temporal variability, allowing the distinction between episodic acoustic events and conditions of chronic acoustic pressure.
Experience gained in real coastal applications indicates that low-cost hydrophones can provide meaningful information on underwater noise exposure, particularly through indicators such as temporal persistence and recurrence of anthropogenic sources. At the same time, the intrinsic limitations of cost-effective acoustic instruments need to be interpreted in relation to their intended scope of application, as misinterpretation often arises from unrealistic expectations or inappropriate metric selection. In this context, we outline a set of minimal, operational criteria for the use of low-cost hydrophones in coastal monitoring programs, aimed at improving the interpretability and reliability of the information produced.
This work highlights how properly designed and purpose-oriented low-cost acoustic systems can provide concrete and actionable information on underwater noise pressure, supporting sustainable coastal monitoring strategies and contributing to the objectives of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
How to cite: Madonia, N., Piermattei, V., and Marcelli, M.: Cost-effective hydrophone sensors to support marine noise monitoring, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-12964, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-12964, 2026.
Coastal marine habitats are biologically diverse and host fundamental ecosystems that provide essential ecosystem services (e.g., climate regulation, food security, and carbon sequestration). Despite their importance, these habitats face increasing threats from cumulative local pressures (e.g., habitat degradation, overexploitation, and pollution) as well as climate change.
In the last decade, new autonomous surveying technologies have been increasingly adopted for coastal marine monitoring and research due to their high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These innovative tools enable continuous, high-resolution data collection and facilitate the assessment of often inaccessible marine areas. Moreover, the integration of autonomous surveying platforms into observing systems provides more comprehensive and timely insights into ocean dynamics in response to environmental changes.
Overall, innovative autonomous surveying technologies offer new opportunities to deepen knowledge of coastal habitat characteristics and ecosystem functioning through the detailed acquisition of seabed features (e.g., seawater depth, seafloor morphology, vegetation height and coverage) and physicochemical variables of seawater (e.g., temperature, salinity). These technologies help to improve understanding of ecosystem responses to anthropogenic pressures and climate change and represent an efficient tool for enhancing the capabilities of the Digital Twin Ocean (DTO).
In this work, we present results from recent case studies in which these technologies were applied to coastal areas of northern Lazio (Italy) to assess the effects of anthropogenic activities and climate change on seagrass and reef habitats, as well as to support the validation and calibration of numerical models and the development of new AI technologies.
How to cite: Piazzolla, D., Bonamano, S., Scanu, S., Madonia, N., Madonia, A., Federico, I., Causio, S., Shirinov, S., Coppini, G., Marcelli, M., and Piermattei, V.: Autonomous surveying technologies to enhance habitat characterization, anthropogenic impact assessment, and DTO capabilities, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-9440, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-9440, 2026.
Given the ocean’s dynamic and fragile nature, innovative observing approaches are required to enhance spatio-temporal data coverage and to support integrated analyses of coastal hydrodynamics driven by interacting processes across multiple spatial and temporal scales. In the vicinity of river mouths, these dynamics become particularly complex, as wave-induced motion, wind-driven circulation, and baroclinic processes associated with horizontal density gradients interact with river discharge, which acts as a source of momentum and buoyancy through the input of fresher, less dense water into the marine environment.
This complexity is especially pronounced at the Tiber River mouth, where freshwater enters the Tyrrhenian Sea through a bifurcated estuarine system consisting of the northern Traiano Canal and the southern Fiumara Grande. In this area, river discharge plays a key role in modulating local circulation and plume dynamics.
Investigating such processes therefore requires the integration of high-resolution coastal observing systems with numerical models capable of resolving fine-scale hydrodynamic variability. Within this framework, the present study focuses on quantifying the relative contribution of the main physical forcings governing river plume dynamics in the vicinity of the Traiano Canal.
To this end, a combined observational and modelling approach was adopted, including: (i) hydrometric stations along the Tiber River for continuous measurements of water level and discharge; (ii) a fixed coastal station near the Traiano Canal mouth for continuous monitoring of total suspended matter (TSM); (iii) a meteorological station providing wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, incoming solar radiation, relative humidity, precipitation, and air temperature; (iv) an X-band marine radar for monitoring wave fields and surface currents during storm events; (v) an upward-looking Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), deployed near the seabed, to continuously profile current velocity and TSM throughout the water column and to estimate wave spectral properties; and (vi) coupled hydrodynamic and wave numerical models implemented within an ocean–sea–river continuum framework.
A dedicated field experiment, involving the simultaneous operation of all observing systems, was conducted between February and March 2025 in the coastal area adjacent to the Traiano Canal mouth. In the first phase, the performance of the WW3 wave model was evaluated by comparing simulated and observed statistical wave parameters and directional wave spectra, with particular attention to bimodal wave conditions. Subsequently, surface and depth-resolved current measurements were used to validate the three-dimensional hydrodynamic model SHYFEM-MPI, both in stand-alone mode and coupled with WW3, in order to quantify the contribution of wave forcing to coastal circulation during storm events.
Finally, the optimal model configuration identified during the validation phase was applied to investigate the relative role of wind forcing, wave action, river discharge, and coastal morphology in controlling river plume dynamics in the vicinity of the Traiano Canal mouth.
How to cite: Bonamano, S., Shirinov, S., Raffa, F., Serafino, F., Piazzolla, D., Causio, S., Federico, I., Piermattei, V., and Marcelli, M.: An Integrated Multi-Observation Study of Coastal Dynamic Processes Near the Tiber River Mouth, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-16696, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-16696, 2026.
Produced water (PW), the largest waste stream from offshore oil and gas production, is continuously discharged into the marine environment after treatment, introducing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and other contaminants [5], [2]. Accurate prediction of the fate and transport of these substances requires modeling both the initial discharge dynamics and long-range dispersion. We present a coupled near- and-far-field modeling framework that integrates the Texas A&M Oilspill/Outfall Calculator (TAMOC) with OpenDrift's ChemicalDrift module to simulate PW discharges from offshore platforms.
TAMOC's Bent Plume Model (BPM) simulates the nearfield dynamics of PW discharge. The BPM solves conservation equations for mass, momentum, and buoyancy considering ambient stratification and cross flow conditions, capturing the initial dilution and trajectory of the plume [6], [4], [3]. The key outputs transferred to the far-field model include the plume terminal location and the dilution, which are used to initialize the Lagrangian particle seeding in ChemicalDrift.
ChemicalDrift, a Lagrangian chemical-fate and transport model integrated within the open-source OpenDrift framework, simulates the subsequent long-range advection and dispersion of contaminants [1]. The model tracks advection and diffusion by ocean currents, interaction with surface wind and turbulent mixing. Critically, it implements dynamic partitioning of contaminants between dissolved, particle-bound, and sediment phases, along with their degradation and volatilization. Temperature and salinity dependencies on chemical processes are formulated, enabling enhanced fate predictions in varying oceanographic conditions.
This coupled system is being deployed within the Integrated Monitoring System for the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (SIM MASE) for operational monitoring of PW discharges from Italian offshore platforms. The framework enables direct integration of regulatory thresholds from Italian legislation (D.Lgs. 172/2015) and EU Directive 2013/39/EU on priority substances in water policy. Model outputs flag exceedances of Environmental Quality Standards, enabling users to identify when and where contaminant concentrations surpass legal limits, according to the simulations. By separating contributions from multiple platforms and providing spatiotemporal concentration fields, the modeling chain offers decision-makers a tool for compliance assessment and sustainable management of offshore activities.
References
1. Aghito, Manuel, et al. "ChemicalDrift 1.0: an open-source Lagrangian chemical-fate and transport model for organic aquatic pollutants." Geoscientific Model Development 16.9 (2023): 2477-2494.
2. Beyer, Jonny, et al. "Environmental effects of offshore produced water discharges: A review focused on the Norwegian continental shelf." Marine environmental research 162 (2020): 105155.
3. Dissanayake, Anusha L., Jonas Gros, and Scott A. Socolofsky. "Integral models for bubble, droplet, and multiphase plume dynamics in stratification and crossflow." Environmental Fluid Mechanics 18.5 (2018): 1167-1202.
4. Gros, Jonas, et al. "Petroleum dynamics in the sea and influence of subsea dispersant injection during Deepwater Horizon." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 114.38 (2017): 10065-10070.
5. Neff, Jerry, Kenneth Lee, and Elisabeth M. DeBlois. "Produced water: overview of composition, fates, and effects." Produced water: Environmental risks and advances in mitigation technologies (2011): 3-54.
6. Socolofsky, Scott A., et al. "Texas A&M Oilspill Calculator (TAMOC) modeling suite for subsea spills." Proceedings of the thirty-eighth AMOP technical seminar. Ottawa: Environment Canada, 2015.
How to cite: Bravo, S., Dissanayake, A. L., Atake, I., and Coppini, G.: Coupled Near-and Far-field Modeling Suite for Produced Water Discharges from Offshore Oil Platforms: Integrating TAMOC and OpenDrift's ChemicalDrift for Operational Monitoring, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-14551, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-14551, 2026.
Abstract
Agricultural runoff transports significant amounts of nitrates (NO₃-) to estuaries and coastal areas. Wastewater discharge leads to increased ammonium (NH₄+) concentrations in estuaries. However, the impact of nitrogen (N) forms on phytoplankton community composition and stoichiometry has received relatively little attention. Nutrient enrichment bioassay experiments were conducted in representative areas of the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent coastal areas in summer. Our results demonstrated that diatoms and dinoflagellates prefer NO₃- and NH₄+, respectively. N:P uptake ratios were higher in the NO₃--added treatment than those in the NH₄+-added treatment. Hence, nitrogen forms not only modulate the phytoplankton community composition, but also phytoplankton stoichiometry. The input of NO₃--rich river discharge favored diatom growth in the Pearl River Estuary, increasing phosphorus consumption per unit of nitrogen and thus exacerbating phosphorus limitation. Our findings provided new insights into the potential mechanism for phosphorus limitation in the river-impacted coastal areas.
How to cite: Chen, D., Li, R., Shi, Z., and Xu, J.: The influences of nitrogen form on phytoplankton community and stoichiometry in estuarine and coastal waters , EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-2905, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-2905, 2026.
Posters virtual: Tue, 5 May, 14:00–18:00 | vPoster spot 1a
EGU26-13664 | ECS | Posters virtual | VPS20
Use of δ15N and macroalgae as indicators of the level of anthropogenic intervention in the Colombian Pacific.Tue, 05 May, 14:45–14:48 (CEST) vPoster spot 1a
Coastal ecosystems are highly vulnerable to nutrient-driven eutrophication from anthropogenic sources such as urbanization, wastewater discharge, and industrial development, among others, which alters their ecosystem services. In order to determine nitrogen sources, the nitrogen isotopic composition (δ15N) was analyzed in the macroalgae Boodleopsis verticillata and Bostrychia spp., collected between 2014 and 2016 at four localities with different degrees of anthropogenic disturbance: Valencia – Very Low Intervention (MBI-VA), Chucheros – Low Intervention (BAI-CHU), San Pedro – Moderate Intervention (MOI-SP), and Piangüita – High Intervention (ALI-PI) in the Colombian Pacific. The δ15N values ranged between 0.3 and 2.4‰ in MBI-VA, 1.8 and 3.4‰ in BAI-CHU, 2.3 and 5.5‰ in MOI-SP, and 2.3 and 10.16‰ in ALI-PI. Since the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variances were not met (p < 0.05), a non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test was applied, revealing significant differences in δ15N among localities (p < 0.0001). Dunn’s test indicated that MBI-VA and BAI-CHU differed significantly from MOI-SP and ALI-PI (p < 0.05). Three nitrogen sources were defined: atmospheric deposition, oceanic waters, and wastewater. Both species (B. verticillata andBostrychia spp.) showed a decreasing gradient of atmospheric deposition (87% ± 3% to 52% ± 7% and 82% ± 6% to 21% ± 11%, respectively) from MBI to ALI, in contrast to an increase in oceanic waters (8% ± 4% to 37% ± 13% and 12% ± 7% to 38% ± 21%) and wastewater contributions (5% ± 2% to 12% ± 6% and 7% ± 3% to 41% ± 12%). This pattern was more evident in Bostrychia spp., suggesting greater sensitivity to variations in nitrogen sources. Linear regression between δ15N and nitrate concentration yielded coefficients of determination of R2 = 0.71 for B. verticillata and R2 = 0.89for Bostrychia spp., indicating that isotopic variability was explained by nitrate. The potential of macroalgae as bioindicators of anthropogenic intervention in coastal ecosystems of the Colombian Pacific is suggested.
How to cite: Arce-Sánchez, R. S., Medina-Contreras, D., and Sánchez-González, A.: Use of δ15N and macroalgae as indicators of the level of anthropogenic intervention in the Colombian Pacific., EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-13664, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-13664, 2026.
