Real-time monitoring network in the Macaronesian region as a contribution to the Coastal Ocean Observations Panel (COOP)

Abstract

Detecting and predicting changes in coastal and open-ocean ecosystems is a significant undertaking requiring detailed and often real-time monitoring of physical, geological and chemical parameters. Following the guidelines and general objectives established by GOOS (Global Ocean Observing System) through its coastal ecosystems module COOP (Coastal Ocean Observations Panel), this paper describes the design, first development stages and some derived results of a monitoring network named Red ACOMAR Canarias (Red de Alerta, Control y Observaci ón MARina de Canarias, or Network for Marine Surveillance, Control and Observation in the Canaries) developed in the Macaronesia region. Established in 1999, Red ACOMAR is based on a core project supported through several programmes focused on the coastal and open-ocean areas around the Canary Islands archipelago. The network integrates a wide range of devices and monitoring systems (moored and drifting buoys, gliders, remote sensing, turtles, land-based meteorological stations and research vessels) working in real-time. The network has a control centre that manages communications and data processing, and provides real-time information with utility for end-users from socio-economically important sectors that make use of the coastal area in the region. Access to the information is provided via a web portal. Red ACOMAR is directly linked with other scientific projects in the Azores and Madeira archipelagos, as well as with projects from other European countries, with a common goal of providing a regional operational oceanographic contribution meeting end-user requirements.