Machine Learning for Detection of Macroalgal Blooms in the Mar Menor Coastal Lagoon Using Sentinel-2

The Mar Menor coastal lagoon in southeastern Spain has experienced a decline water quality due to increased nutrient input, leading the eutrophication of and occurrence microalgal macroalgal blooms. This study analyzes bloom that occurred during spring-summer 2022. A set machine learning techniques are applied Sentinel-2 satellite imagery order obtain indicators presence macroalgae specific locations within lagoon. is supported by situ observations blooming process different areas Menor. Our methodology successfully identifies (accuracies above 98%, Matthew’s Correlation Coefficients 78% all cases), provides probabilistic approach understand likelihood this event given pixels. analysis also key parameters contributing classification pixels as algae, which could be used develop future algorithms for detecting information can environmental managers implement early warning mitigation strategies prevent deterioration usefulness ecological crisis management at local regional scales highlighted.