On August 21, the Future Earth Coasts (FEC) Fellows Session 2024 brought together early- to mid-career researchers for a dynamic event focused on innovative advancements in water quality monitoring.
A key highlight of the session was Dr. Eirini Politi’s talk on the successful implementation of advanced satellite products for water quality monitoring within the H2020 CERTO project (Copernicus Evolution – Research for Harmonised and Transitional Water Observation). As Chair of the FEC Working Group Lagoons for Life and a FEC Fellow, Dr. Politi emphasized the achievements of the CERTO project, which ran from 2020 to 2023. The project addressed critical gaps in satellite-based water quality monitoring by producing harmonized datasets for integration into European Copernicus services. Dr. Politi highlighted the urgent need for improved remote sensing techniques to complement traditional in-situ methods and showcased how cutting-edge technology and stakeholder input were integrated to advance water quality monitoring practices.
Key advancements discussed included enhanced atmospheric correction methods, improved masking of shallow waters, and the development of a comprehensive suite of water quality indicators. These innovations, driven by extensive user consultations, ensure that the resulting indicators meet the needs of diverse stakeholders, ranging from fisheries associations to public authorities. The CERTO project’s results represent a significant leap forward in the continuous monitoring and assessment of water bodies globally, setting a new standard for satellite-based water quality monitoring.
Dr. Politi’s presentation underscored the importance of blending scientific expertise with active user engagement to achieve effective water resource management. She also emphasized the crucial role of advanced remote sensing techniques in closing data gaps, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and European policy frameworks.
During the Q&A session, participants raised questions about the methodologies employed, indicators development, the global application of CERTO methods, and the project’s future directions. A key point of interest was the potential adaptation of the advanced water quality monitoring approaches developed under CERTO to regions such as lagoons in the Global South. Participants anticipate that applying these methods in diverse environmental contexts could uncover unique outcomes and challenges, reflecting the specific ecological and socio-economic conditions of these regions. This adaptation may not only enhance local monitoring practices but also contribute valuable insights to the global understanding and management of transitional water environments.
The session concluded with a strong sense of momentum and collaboration, as participants recognized the importance of continuing to innovate and adapt water quality monitoring techniques for diverse environments worldwide. The discussions and insights shared underscored the crucial role of initiatives like the CERTO project in advancing our understanding and stewardship of water resources. As the FEC Fellows and the broader scientific community move forward, there is a clear commitment to fostering global cooperation and knowledge exchange to address the pressing challenges of water quality in a rapidly changing world. The event served as a powerful reminder that by integrating advanced technologies with local expertise and stakeholder engagement, significant strides can be made toward sustainable water resource management on a global scale.