The coastal zone provides opportunities for a variety of users which can affect the availability of space and the conservation of important habitats. Coastal zone also represents the area of both anthropic and natural inputs through rivers, which can be an important pressure due to the potential introduction of pollutants and the increasing flooding. Latium coast represents and important area for the presence of the Tiber river which affect a big portion of the region. Moreover, this area is an important site for big coastal infrastructures that potentially produce direct and indirect impacts on marine ecosystems, particularly Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, rocky and algal reefs. This work shows an integrated and advanced observing system, including autonomous platforms, cost-effective technologies and numerical modeling, applied to the study of the interaction between anthropic pressures and natural resources in order to realize a Digital Twin of the Ocean of this coastal area toward the implementation of nature based solutions.

How to cite: Marcelli, M., Bonamano, S., Bosch-Belmar, M., Fersini, G., Ceccherelli, G., Coppini, G., De Lucia, G. A., Del Negro, P., Falace, A., Federico, I., Madonia, A., Mancuso, F. P., Mentaschi, L., Piazzolla, D., Pinardi, N., Sarà, G., Savini, A., Scanu, S., Torelli, B., and Piermattei, V.: An integrated and sustainable observing system for the implementation of a Coastal Digital Twin of the Ocean, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-16247, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-16247, 2024.

The Mediterranean Sea is a recognized area of concern considering climate change impacts. Coastal zones are particularly vulnerable to the influences of sea level variations caused by climate variability. Estuaries, which are crucial ecosystems, represent challenges areas which can be affected from various anthropogenic pressures and the effects of climate change.

Within the research community, there is a growing focus on the risks associated with sea level rise (SLR). The threat of storm-related flooding poses a significant danger to coastal areas, leading to the loss of marine habitats and ecosystems. Recent experiences also have shown that the combination of high-intensity hurricanes and increased sea levels has resulted in numerous fatalities along the coast.

A big lack of data and knowledge about coastal observations, particularly in developing countries, persists due to the difficulty in obtaining affordable and user-friendly instrumentation. To address these challenges, there is a need to develop cost effective, easily accessible technologies that can be integrated into different platforms. These technologies would enhance monitoring capabilities, particularly in terms of spatial resolution, along rivers and coastal zones. By doing so, we can greatly improve our understanding of storm surges, extreme events, and their impacts on transitional areas. Creating a practical tool as part of an early warning system would provide timely information on physical conditions and biological variables, aiding in effective decision-making and mitigation efforts.

How to cite: Martinez Osuna, J. F., Piermattei, V., and De Luca, A.: Development of low-cost technologies applied to the study of marine ecosystems., EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-9420, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-9420, 2024.

Our project addresses the growing demand for extended oceanographic observation network. We are developing an innovative and affordable Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), named Jolly Oscar, that incorporates artificial intelligence for path determination and destination determination based on marine meteorological conditions. AUVs play a crucial role in marine monitoring by enabling independent exploration of areas that are difficult to access by other platforms. The goal of our approach aims to supply a cost-effective solution compared to existing options, allowing for the acquisition of a fleet of Jolly Oscar vehicles to enhance data collection. Simultaneous data gathering by multiple AUVs not only improves efficiency but also supplies a deeper understanding of marine phenomena. This cost-effective approach enables efficient and extensive spatial coverage, making easier the rapid collection of oceanographic data. Jolly Oscar can be equipped with a different array of interchangeable instrumental packages, including sensors for Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) and pH, chlorophyll fluorescence, turbidity, passive (hydrophone) and active (side-scan sonar or multibeam sonar) acoustic systems, Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). This versatility is crucial for gathering detailed oceanographic data which are essential for feeding numerical models, deepening our understanding of marine ecosystems, and checking ongoing environmental changes. By developing a cost-effective solution, Jolly Oscar aims to supply broader access to advanced oceanographic exploration. This inclusivity aims to encourage participation and involvement from the scientific community, allowing more researchers to use these technologically advanced tools. This collaborative approach contributes to the global effort of monitoring and understanding the intricate dynamics of our oceans, which is crucial for environmental conservation and responsible marine management.

How to cite: Madonia, N., Gualdesi, L., Piermattei, V., and Marcelli, M.: Diving into the Future: Advanced Ocean Observation with Cost-Effective AI-Enhanced Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-11618, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-11618, 2024.

To face the need of mitigation and adaptation measures in order to reduce climate change impacts and improve the robustness of climate projections it is necessary to implement long-term and low-cost observing systems.

One of the main problem is the acquisition of in situ optical data, fundamental to understand the functioning of natural ecosystems since light is the primary source of energy for both terrestrial and marine life. In fact, light directly affects the photosynthetic processes and its availability represents a key factor for primary production.

In this context, there is a lack of spectro-radiometric and PAR measures in the marine environment to retrieve key bio-optical variables for the validation of remote sensing observations, providing useful information on the effects of anthropogenic activities and climate change.

Commercial high-performance spectrometers are characterized by high costs thus limiting the acquisition of a great amount of data for remote sensing and numerical models validation. In the last decades, a big effort was dedicated to the development of miniaturized and autonomous systems to reduce the costs of both land and marine observations while maintaining adequate performance and significant data quality.

In this work we present the development of a new low-cost multichannel spectrometer designed and developed as a fast, accurate and effective device for spectral response monitoring.

To optimise the selection of the optical components and to assess the performance of the developed system, a series of experimental tests were performed both in laboratory and in field. This work shows the results of the developed technology and its applications.

How to cite: Madonia, A., Suman, S., Piermattei, V., Marcelli, M., and Valentini, R.: Development of a new low-cost multispectral radiometer for land and marine applications, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-17902, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-17902, 2024.

In the context of international guidelines for the protection and conservation of biodiversity in natural environments, the assessment of the effects of human pressure on marine ecosystems assumes a key role. The scientific community has recognised Macroalgae and marine phanerogams as useful bioindicators, thanks to their considerable biomass, permanence, spectral retrieval and ease of identification. Remote sensing technology provides spatially synoptic and near real-time measurements that can be effectively used to detect pollution phenomena. However, remote sensing techniques, especially if applied in coastal areas, need correction and validation through in situ data collection.

In the framework of the STOPP project “Strumenti e Tecniche di Osservazione della Terra in Prossimità e Persistenza” funded by Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), one of the main goals is the use of innovative aerial platforms, equipped with multispectral sensors, to monitor the impacts of anthropogenic pollution on benthic coastal marine ecosystems.

In this work, we present the advances of the experimental activities aimed at analyzing the changes of the spectral signatures in response to different pollutant exposures in laboratory-controlled conditions, identifying the optimized protocol to detect the "target wavelengths" on seagrasses and macroalgae species. These results are useful for evaluating the feasibility of an innovative methodology for monitoring and mapping marine submerged vegetation through remote sensing.

How to cite: Varini, F., Madonia, A., Scanu, S., Piermattei, V., and Marcelli, M.: Spectral signatures of submerged vegetation for remote sensing mapping and benthic coastal marine ecosystem quality assessment, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-18582, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-18582, 2024.

Coastal areas host biodiversity-rich and productive marine habitats but are also highly susceptible to human activities. Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile meadows are one of the most important habitats in the coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea and are considered a key coastal structuring habitat enhancing biodiversity levels. Accurate information about the spatial distribution and functioning of P. oceanica is essential for an effective management of anthropogenic pressures that can minimise, mitigate, or compensate for the impacts produced, to ensure a long-term successful protection of this habitat. We tested, for the first time, an integrated multi-platform approach for mapping the coastal benthic habitat in the Civitavecchia (northern Latium, Italy) coastal area. This approach includes the use of an unmanned platforms, a remotely-operated vehicle, and in situ P. oceanica ecosystem functioning measurements through benthic chambers.

The multi-platform approach allowed us to reconstruct the spatial distribution of different bottom types, as well as the canopy height and coverage of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass. Furthermore, respiration and net primary production rates of P. oceanica and its associated community were assessed.

Our results highlight the significance of multi-platform observation data for a thorough exploration of marine ecosystems, emphasizing their utility in forecasting biogeochemical processes in the marine environment. The integration of spatial and functional information coming from this novel approach may significantly contribute to improve management and conservation action plans on key and vulnerable habitats under the current and future climate change scenarios. This work was performed as part of the RENOVATE project, financed by the Port System Authority of the Northern-Central Tyrrhenian Sea.

How to cite: Piazzolla, D., Scanu, S., Mancuso, F. P., Bosh-Belmar, M., Bonamano, S., Madonia, A., Scagnoli, E., Tantillo, M. F., Russi, M., Savini, A., Fersini, G., Sarà, G., Coppini, G., Marcelli, M., and Piermattei, V.: Innovative technologies and ecosystem functioning measurements supporting knowledge of P. oceanica meadows in the northern Mediterranean Sea, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-7751, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-7751, 2024.

The potential impacts of climate-related factors (e.g., heatwaves, temperature spikes) and local human stressors (e.g., dredging) on vulnerable and protected habitats in the Mediterranean coastal marine environment can be comprehensively assessed using an innovative predictive approach. This method integrates results from numerical models and species-specific stressor tolerance curves and thresholds derived from dedicated laboratory experiments. Focusing on the endemic Mediterranean Posidonia oceanica and coralligenous habitats near the port of Civitavecchia on the western coast of Italy, we analyzed the potential disturbance caused by the occurrence of interacting stressors, increasing temperature and turbidity. A new composite index was developed to evaluate potential effects, considering findings from hydrodynamic and sediment transport models, as well as the temperature and turbidity tolerance of the studied habitats. Lower index values indicate a higher risk of habitat regression due to global warming or unsustainable coastal activities (in the absence of mitigation measures, such as an Early Warning System, EWS).

Within the Renovate project, adopting an ecosystem approach for compensation and mitigation actions in the coastal marine environment, the new index was applied to assess the effects of dredging activities for the expansion of the port of Civitavecchia. Additionally, it was used to distinguish impacts on the same habitats caused by heatwaves affecting this coastal stretch. This index will contribute to the development of EWS and the formulation and implementation of risk assessment and management plans in coastal areas.

How to cite: Bonamano, S., Bosch-Belmar, M., Piazzolla, D., Federico, I., Mancuso, F. P., Scanu, S., Madonia, A., Causio, S., Biocca, N., Tantillo, M. F., Russi, M., Fersini, G., Piermattei, V., Coppini, G., and Sarà, G.: A new predictive approach for assessing local human and climate change stressors on coastal marine ecosystems., EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-8288, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-8288, 2024.

In deep-sea mining, understanding genetic connectivity through larval dispersal can be the basis for regional environmental management plans. This study conducted larval dispersal simulations for seamounts in the Northwest Pacific where potential mineral resources, cobalt-rich crusts, are distributed. A total of 19 seamounts were selected for simulation within a 1000 x 1000 km2 area around seamounts where contracted areas for exploration of cobalt-rich crusts were established by the International Seabed Authority. The pelagic larval duration was assumed to be 97 days, which is the average for deep-sea species (Hilário et al., 2015, Front. Mar. Sci.). Two-dimensional dispersions were calculated at a depth of 900 m just above the seamount summits. Flow velocity data were obtained from the ocean model JCOPE2M. The simulation results showed that seamounts with contracted areas for exploration were divided into separate clusters in the larval dispersal network. Seamounts without contracted areas served as sources or sinks of larvae to seamounts with contracted areas. These results may provide fundamental insights for effective environmental management based on interactions among seamount populations.

How to cite: Saito, N., Yano, S., Suzuki, A., and Kamoshida, H.: Simulation of larval dispersal between seamounts for regional environmental management plans of deep-sea mining, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-7596, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-7596, 2024.

Chlorophyll and suspended sediments are the main indicators of the marine ecosystem’s bio-optical properties. Chlorophyll is directly connected with primary productivity, while the suspended sediments are associated with water quality; both factors are influenced by climate change. The present research is mainly focused on testing the capability of Sentinel-2 on estimating the Tiber River driven spatial dynamics of chlorophyll and suspended sediment. The present research also aims to identify suitable methods for estimating chlorophyll and suspended sediment levels in the Tyrrhenian coastal ocean and seas. Algorithms including SNAP-bound C2RCC-Nets, C2X-Nets, C2X-COMPLEX-Nets, and ACOLITE-bound OC2, OC3, SPM_Nechad2010 and SPM_Nechad2016 algorithms were applied to estimate the dynamic distribution of chlorophyll and suspended sediment in the Tyrrhenian region. C2RCC-Nets outperformed all other and a statistically significant positive correlation observed with in situ-derived chlorophyll and suspended sediment, with coefficients of 0.903 and 0.966, respectively. Additionally, a positive seasonal spatial correlation was estimated between chlorophyll and suspended sediments, indicating that Tiber River discharge have positive impacts by accelerating the chlorophyll level on the Tyrrhenian coastline compared to the negative trend observed in the Mediterranean region.

• Keywords: Sentinel-2, C2RCC, chlorophyll, Suspended sediments, Tiber River, Tyrrhenian region.

How to cite: Varghese, D., Piermattei, V., Madonia, A., and Marcelli, M.: Unveiling Tiber River's Influence on the Tyrrhenian Coastal Ocean and Marine Bio-Optical Properties with Sentinel-2, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-9562, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-9562, 2024.

Human activities, such as global warming and nutrient pollution, are posing significant threats to the ecological interactions and biodiversity in aquatic environments [1]. The German Bight, a highly dynamic coastal region of the North Sea, has been subject to considerable warming and nutrient fluctuations over recent decades. These changes have had profound impacts on the plankton communities in this area, leading to a swift reorganization of both phyto- [2] and zooplankton functional structures [3].

While the effects of these changes on individual phyto- and zooplankton levels have been well-documented, our understanding of how plankton interactions respond to these environmental stressors remains limited. In this study, we hypothesize that the synergy of warming and nutrient limitation will alter plankton network interactions, resulting in a shift towards consumers being controlled by resources.

We approach this hypothesis from the perspective of Gunderson and Holling’s adaptive cycle metaphor [4]. The metaphor describes ecosystem development as alternating phases of stability and reorganization, being shaped by three systemic properties: the system’s potential available for future change, the connectedness among its internal variables, and its resilience in the light of perturbations.

For the quantification of the adaptive cycle, we use a method developed by zu Castell and Schrenk [5,6]. Based on the most comprehensive timeseries available in marine environments, we infer a dynamic network of information transfer, which allows us to study the evolving interaction pattern between phyto-and zooplankton. We discuss this pattern in the context of the adaptive cycle phases and alternative measures of system resilience.

To our knowledge, our study is the first to provide a holistic analysis of plankton network interactions in marine environments, considering both phyto- and zooplankton species. This approach offers a deeper understanding of how human-induced impacts affect the foundation of marine food webs.

[1] E. Merz, E. Saberski, L. J. Gilarranz, P. D. F. Isles, G. Sugihara, C. Berger, and F. Pomati, Disruption of ecological networks in lakes by climate change and nutrient fluctuations, Nature Climate Change (2023).

[2] J. Di Pane, K. H. Wiltshire, M. McLean, M. Boersma, and C. L. Meunier, Environmentally induced functional shifts in phytoplankton and their potential consequences for ecosystem functioning. Global Change Biology, 28, 2804–2819 (2022).

[3] M. M. Deschamps, M. Boersma, C. L. Meunier, I. V. Kirstein, K. H. Wiltshire, and J. Di Pane, Major shift in the copepod functional community of the southern North Sea and potential environmental drivers. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 0, 1–13 (2023).

[4] L. H. Gunderson and C. S. Holling. Panarchy: understanding transformations in human and natural systems (Island, Washington, D.C., 2002).

[5] W. zu Castell, and H. Schrenk, Computing the adaptive cycle, Scientific Reports 2020(10):18175 (2020).

[6] H. Schrenk, C. Garcia-Perez, N. Schreiber, and W. zu Castell, QtAC: an R-package for analyzing complex systems development in the framework of the adaptive cycle metaphor, Ecological Modelling 466:109860 (2022).

How to cite: Balkoni, A., zu Castell, W., Wiltshire, K. H., Boersma, M., and Zoller, H.: Adaptive cycles of a phyto-zooplankton community under human pressure , EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-16349, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-16349, 2024.

Low head Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) has emerged as a promising solution for energy storage, particularly with the increasing development of off-shore wind power in Northern Europe. The ALPHEUS project (Augmenting Grid Stability Through Low Head Pumped Hydro Energy Utilization and Storage), funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, places significant emphasis on investigating environmental issues and potential related impacts. By addressing key environmental aspects, the project aims to contribute to the sustainable integration of low head PHS, aligning with the broader goals of promoting renewable energy and grid stability in Europe.

The coastal zone, marked by diverse physical and ecological conditions, is susceptible to the exploitation of numerous natural resources. Studying the current status and the intricate relationships between natural ecosystems and PHS structures during installation, operation, and decommissioning involves identifying and analyzing various multidisciplinary components, including, ecology, engineering, and economics aspects. This evaluation is an integral part of the legislative and regulatory framework governing the assessment of suitable places for the deployment of coastal or off-shore energy production facilities.

The legal and regulatory framework relating to environmental aspects in two countries bordering the North Sea is also compared. Germany and The Netherlands are selected as examples for pilot sites assessment in this study including an evaluation of potential environmental constraints, the availability of environmental public data, and an assessment of existing infrastructure to be potentially converted. The assessment of sites from the environmental point of view is achieved on the basis of the “Marine Strategy Framework Directive” scheme identifying the potential interactions between the ecological parameters and the potential impacts of a PHS infrastructure. The success of sustainable low head Pumped Hydro Storage technology relies on the management of natural resources and the resolution of conflicts among sea use actors such as local communities and stakeholders.

How to cite: De Luca, A., Peviani, M., Scanu, S., Miccoli, A., Scapigliati, G., and Marcelli, M.: Assessment of legal, regulatory, and environmental issues in the commissioning of low head Pumped Hydro Storage technology: a case study in the Greater North Sea, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-9785, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-9785, 2024.