Using Satellite-Based Data to Facilitate Consistent Monitoring of the Marine Environment around Ireland

As an island nation, Ireland needs to ensure effective management measures protect marine ecosystems and their services, such as the provision of fishery resources. The characterization waters using satellite data can contribute a better understanding variations in upper ocean and, consequently, effect changes on species populations. In this study, nineteen years (1998–2016) monthly essential climate variables (ECVs), chlorophyll (Chl-a), diffuse attenuation coefficient (K490) were used, together with previous analyses sea surface temperature (SST), investigate temporal spatial variability around Ireland. study area was restricted specific geographically delineated divisions, defined by International Council Exploration Seas (ICES). results showed that SST Chl-a positively significantly correlated ICES divisions corresponding oceanic waters, while coastal significant negative correlation. K490 all cases, suggesting important role phytoplankton light attenuation. had trends most reaching maximum values 1.45% 0.08% per year, respectively. strongest seasonal observed VIId VIIe (the English Channel), primarily summer months, followed northern VIa (west Scotland) VIb (Rockall) winter months.