High-Level Project Summary
Assessing Algal Growth in Water Eutrophication (AGWE) is a risk assessment tool for monitoring the potential increase of algal populations in coastal waters. We developed a risk assessment tool that can be easily accessed and understand on an internet browser. We also intend to create a mobile version for more convenient access and incorporate more data from other NASA satellites. We started this project to raise awareness and encourage community participation in monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), especially in coastal areas susceptible to them. Monitoring HABs is crucial because they can cause cascading problems in organisms (including humans) and their environment.
Link to Project "Demo"
Link to Final Project
Detailed Project Description
AGWE utilizes the space data gathered from NASA's MODIS - Aqua Satellite and helps convert the data to a more understandable and straightforward approach for the users.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when colonies of algae grow exponentially, resulting in detrimental effects on people, fish, shellfish, and other higher vertebrates. AGWE uses NASA's space data and plots these on Google Maps for risk assessment in potential locations, specifically with frequent Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) events. Any stakeholders from different walks of life may easily access the map with an internet connection. In the future, we intend to create a mobile version for easier access anywhere in the world.
The team chose Chesapeake Bay (US), West Florida Shelf (US), and Manila Bay (PH) as locations for the preliminary tool demonstration. The data duration was from 2016 to 2021, both annually and monthly.
The risk assessment tool targets the local government officials, fisherfolks, policymakers, and other stakeholders. Specifically, it aims to assist different stakeholders in monitoring HABs for faster prevention or mitigation planning. This tool encourages any stakeholders to willingly and actively participate because of its accessible and intuitive user interface. May this tool also serve as a catalyst for the policymakers to formulate policies for the long-term prevention of HABs, especially in emerging nations.
We are using this opportunity to support the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs): Organize Climate Action (SDG 13), Develop Life Below Water (SDG 14), Improve Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6). Influence Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Build Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), No Poverty (SDG 1), and Eliminate Hunger (SDG 2).
The tools we used for the risk assessment tool are: CSS 3 for coding, React JS for building the user interface, and Google Earth for plotting the geographical coordinates and parameters.
Space Agency Data
The team accessed NASA's Giovanni website for chlorophyll a and sea surface temperature data from MODIS (or Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) - Aqua Satellite to determine or monitor the presence of HABs.
Sensonomic, founded in 2015, is a Norway-based company that uses software for combining company data with satellite data in making decisions on various challenges. They are primarily using simulations to assess different challenging situations before implementing a solution (especially in agriculture and marine).
fig. 1 This image shows a screen capture of Sensonomic's website using satellite data.
Hackathon Journey
Our first Space App Challenge is genuinely unforgettable. The experience allowed us to gain new learnings and insights that helped us accomplish our goals. Since most of us have no background in marine and ecosystems management, the journey made us realized the importance of awareness and being proactive in protecting and conserving the planet, even in small ways. We sincerely hope that our initiative and intentions may become impactful in the long run. We only have one world, so it's automatically our shared responsibility to look after it.
We would like to express our gratitude to the mentors for sharing their insights on how to improve the team's project.
References
Anderson, D. M., Fensin, E., Gobler, C. J., Hoeglund, A. E., Hubbard, K. A., Kulis, D. M., . . . Trainer, V. L. (2021). Marine harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the United States: History, current status and future trends. Harmful Algae, 102, 101975. doi:10.1016/j.hal.2021.101975
Chen, S., Rui, H., Liu, Z., Zhu, T., Lu, L., Berrick, S., . . . Kempler, S. (2000). Giovanni: A System for Rapid Access, Visualization and Analysis of Earth Science Data Online. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.academia.edu/23418666/Giovanni_A_System_for_Rapid_Access_Visualization_and_Analysis_of_Earth_Science_Data_Online
Karki, S., Sultan, M., Elkadiri, R., & Elbayoumi, T. (2018). Mapping and Forecasting Onsets of Harmful Algal Blooms Using MODIS Data over Coastal Waters Surrounding Charlotte County, Florida. Remote Sensing, 10(10), 1656. doi:10.3390/rs10101656
Krueger, E., & Jose, F. (2017). Monitoring Sea Surface Temperature and Chlorophyll Concentrations Using Satellite Imagery: A Case Study From The West Florida Shelf. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from http://fgcu.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/fgcu:30880
Halais, F. (2020, February 24). How user-friendly satellite data could revolutionize development. Pro DEVEX. Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://www.devex.com/pro?return_to=%2Fnews%2Fhow-user-friendly-satellite-data-could-revolutionize-development-96604.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). Giovanni. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://giovanni.gsfc.nasa.gov/giovanni/
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). MODIS Web. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/about/
Poquita-Du, R. C., & Todd, P. A. (2015). Understanding Harmful Algal Bloom (Hab) Occurrences In Manila Bay, Philippines. Sustainability Matters, 3-32. doi:10.1142/9789814719155_0002
Sensonomic AS. (n.d.). Case Study: Mapping Marine Habitats From Space. Retrieved October 3, 2021, from https://sensonomic.com/portfolio_item/mapping-critical-habitats-from-space/
United Nations Development Programme. (2021). Sustainable Development Goals. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals
US Department of Commerce, N. O. and A. A. (2014, August 1). Why do harmful algal blooms occur? NOAA's National Ocean Service. Retrieved September 30, 2021, from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/why_habs.html.
Algae, phytoplankton and chlorophyll. Environmental Measurement Systems. (2021, September 27). Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water-quality/algae-phytoplankton-chlorophyll/.
Nutrients, eutrophication and harmful algal blooms along the freshwater to marine continuum. (2020). WIREs Water, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.1002/wat2.1453
US Department of Commerce; NOAA; National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service; Office of Satellite and Product Operations. (2011, September 29). NOAA's office of satellite and product operations. Office of Satellite and Product Operations. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/.
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Climate Change and Harmful Algal Blooms. EPA. Retrieved October 2, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/climate-change-and-harmful-algal-blooms.
Tags
#riskassessment #water #HABs #algae #coastal #marine #fisherfolks #aquaculture #collaboration #citizenscience
Global Judging
This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.