Ocean currents play a crucial role in marine environments by moving heat, nutrients, and planktonic organisms. They influence shipping, fishing activity, coastal water quality, and the paths of pollutants and other entrained items. They also play a vital part in rescuing injured people at sea.
Despite its importance, measurements of currents off Catalonia have been limited. Yet, coverage and resolution are set to improve significantly with the deployment of a new high frequency radar network managed by ICATMAR, a collaborative body between the Institut de Ciències del Mar and the Generalitat de Catalunya. ICATMAR provides scientific advice on maritime matters, fosters collaboration, and supports marine research.
A new radar network will measure ocean currents and waves in real time
“The network will enable real-time monitoring of sea currents and waves, improving fisheries management, biodiversity status, safety, and maritime transport. The radars will also help predict the movement of pollutants to mitigate their effects between the coastline and about 40 miles offshore,” explains ICM-CSIC researcher Jordi Isern, head of ICATMAR’s new operational oceanography service.
In total, the network will consist of seven antennas, two of which will provide the direction and intensity of surface currents, with the remainder to be commissioned by the end of 2024. One measuring system will sample waves every hour at one meter depth.
“These capabilities are essential to improve fisheries management, optimize navigation routes, and assist search and rescue efforts in the event of a shipwreck,” elaborates Isern.
Oceanographic buoy network
Finally, the plan includes deploying another network of oceanographic buoys over the next two years. Developed in collaboration with the Catalonia Meteorological Service, this system will gather measurements of bottom currents, surface temperature and salinity, waves, and various atmospheric parameters. All data will be integrated with information gathered along European shores within national and international projects.
A new radar network will measure ocean currents and waves in real time
However, these infrastructures will advance the sustainable development of the Blue Economy in Catalonia by supporting emergency responses related to fishing and recreational marine activities, as well as shipwrecks or pollutant spills. Integrating these data into ocean models being developed under ICATMAR will enable more accurate predictions of sea currents.
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