The Oceanic Observatory of Madeira: A management and research infrastructure to support the sustainable development of marine coastal waters in the Blue Economy era

A relatively small effort has been made to install and maintain operational observational platforms around the Portuguese Atlantic Islands. Even though the Azores and Madeira outermost regions account for over 80% of the Portuguese Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), most observational networks have been installed in the Portuguese continental shelf. However, recently, the Madeira Regional Government requested the Oceanic Observatory of Madeira (OOM; https://oom.arditi.pt), a research unit of ARDITI (Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology, and Innovation), to provide high-resolution and high-quality oceanic scientific data to all end-users, including scientific, public and private sectors of the society. The need for a permanent marine observatory arises to collect systematic, reliable, and comprehensive data on coastal waters, which could help governments improve decision-making and, thus, the sustainable management of marine resources. The location within the Atlantic Ocean endows a region with rich marine biodiversity and complex oceanographic dynamics. It is exposed to environmental risks and yet has the potential for Blue Economy growth, particularly regarding tourism and aquaculture.

To guarantee sustainable development, a range of state-of-the-art technologies was acquired (e.g., an unmanned surface vehicle for hydrographic and oceanographic data collection, a ferry box with several sensors to monitor surface water quality; a ferry box with several sensors to monitor surface water quality, and CTD+rosette for water column characterization). These cutting-edge technologies are essential to strengthen and complement computational forecasting capabilities. OOM has implemented coastal monitoring services based on the local operational forecasting system, including atmosphere and oceanic variables. The monitoring program also considers eutrophication hotspots and Sea Surface Temperature using satellite data from the Copernicus Marine Service. Most recently, in situ data on sea temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, and nutrient concentrations were reported monthly.

OOM is, therefore, a fundamental infrastructure to support sustainable development of the Blue Economy of the Madeira archipelago. The in-situ program started in February 2024 on the south of Madeira Island, an area with a high population density, considering tourism as the principal economic sector of the island.  The marine water samples are taken near wastewater treatment plants, hotels, and ports and within a coastal marine reserve site. Preliminary results showed an increase in nutrient concentration, dissolved oxygen consumption, and higher chlorophyll-a concentration, denoting a higher anthropogenic impact where the discharges are located. Due to its deep-sea context, however, plume dispersion was also very high.