Continuity of ocean color data record at risk, according to U.S. National Research Council report

Abstract

Satellite remote sensing of ocean color is important for a number of research and operational uses, including detecting the impacts of climate change on primary productivity; assisting with fisheries and ecosystem‐based management; understanding the optical environment of coastal waters for the operation of ships, submarines, and divers; and monitoring oil spills. However, according to a U.S. National Research Council (NRC) report released on 7 July, U.S. access to the continuous ocean color data record collected by satellites currently is “at risk.” The report, Assessing Requirements for Sustained Ocean Color Research and Operations, calls for several measures to limit or eliminate a potential interruption in the ocean color record, which “would severely hamper the work of climate scientists, fisheries and coastal resource managers, and an expanding array of other users, from the military to oil spill responders.”