Integrative Approach for Operational Sargassum Stranding Forecasts

The synergy between satellite data, ocean transport modeling and in-situ measurements is relevant to improve the forecasts of the strandings of the invasive algal species Sargassum in the tropical Atlantic Ocean, in the Caribbean Sea and on the Brazilian coast. A methodology for the detection of Sargassum species and their temporal monitoring (hourly to daily) based on remote sensing techniques has been proposed using a multi-sensor satellite data analysis (Low Earth and Geostationary orbits). The spatial distribution of the stranding has been examined from satellite sensors observing at a spatial resolution ranging from 20 m to 5 km. The validation of the methodology was performed using in-situ data acquired in the Caribbean Sea. Finally, alert bulletins have been designed for end-users such as territorial authority, tourism, and fishers to address societal issues. This study enables to propose an integrative approach of the Sargassum stranding issues based on the synergy between satellite data, on knowledge of their spatio-temporal distribution and on model transport forecast. The improvements of ocean modeling of dynamics benefit societal authorities to better respond to the risks induced by the more frequent and intense Sargassum blooms in the Atlantic Ocean.