Coastal outflows

Project title: Coastal outflows.

Project Outline:
Pollution associated with coastal outflows from estuaries is a threat to biodiversity in NSW coastal waters. However, there is very limited knowledge about the coastal outflows, their variability, and its impact on coastal ecosystems. Knowledge gaps are mainly driven by the limited spatial and temporal coverage provided by traditional observational methods. Satellite remote sensing can provide high spatio-temporal observations of estuarine and coastal waters. This project will implement a new method to estimate coastal outflows using using satellite rainfall and ocean colour data. Such an approach will help estimate coastal outflows and provide knowledge to marine and coastal managers in NSW to develop management and mitigation strategies.

This joint collaborative project between NSW- Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and CSIRO – Aquatic RS team will (1) create new spectral libraries, (2) develop and implement regional high-resolution remote sensing models and (3) analyse the satellite data cube to understand coastal outflows. Specific scientific questions addressed in the study are: (1) Spatial and temporal extent of coastal outflows, (2) nature of transported particulate and dissolved substances, (3) variability across different estuaries/catchment, (4) identification of regional hotspots and (5) impact of outflows on coastal ecosystem.

Project Funding:
This collaborative project is jointly funded by NSW- Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere.

Project partners:
NSW- Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere

Project Team: