Ocean Colour Remote Sensing of British Columbia Coastal Waters

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Ocean Colour Remote Sensing of British Columbia Coastal Waters The coastal oceans of British Columbia are highly dynamic, being influenced by oceanographic and climatic processes and continental run-off. These processes underpin primary productivity that supports regional food webs and determines the habitat available for several species of salmon, which are of vital importance to the local economy and for First Nations. The relationships between ocean dynamics, environmental drivers, and fish stocks have increasingly been recognized in British Columbia. Specifically, the dynamic of the freshwater and marine environments experienced by juvenile salmon along their coastal migration routes is considered to be one of the primary drivers of declining Pacific salmon stocks. Fundamental to the improvement of our understanding of the biological dynamics of the coastal ocean, and consequent impacts on salmon populations, are data with sufficient time and spatial resolutions, which can be derived from satellite imagery. The goal of the research proposed for the next five years is to develop a multi-satellite-based framework to provide information at the needed scales to assist ecosystem-based fisheries management for an important biogeochemical coastal region: British Columbia coastal waters. To address this goal, my proposed research focuses on bio-optical and biogeochemical data collection that purposely uses synergistic methods that include (i) ocean colour satellite imagery and (ii) sensors aboard vessels of opportunity. Two short-term objectives will be addressed over the next five years: (1) Optimize procedures to obtain unattended continuous above-water in situ reflectance from ferries and cruise ships, and fixed platforms, in order to validate satellite atmospheric correction and develop reflectance-based algorithms for deriving ocean biogeochemical data; (2) Define the biogeochemical dynamic of the BC coastal ocean, including the shelf, inner coast, and fjordal waters, based on satellite data (MODIS Aqua, VIIRS, Sentinel-3a and 3b, GCOM-C, and the forthcoming PACE). This research program will provide critical insights about the relational spatiotemporal dynamics of biotic and abiotic variables along the BC coast by establishing a framework to integrate data from satellite observations with traceable accuracy, in situ data from research ships, vessels of opportunity, and fixed platforms. This is essential information for the understanding and monitoring of the coastal system and fisheries management needs. This research program will also contribute to the international effort to define uncertainties associated with in situ reflectance measurements used to validate satellite vicarious calibration. Furthermore, I will train HQP with interdisciplinary knowledge in space science for ocean observation and management to be innovators that meet the present and future needs of Canada.