Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) visited the Marine Lab in July to explore potential collaborations with SCCF on a variety of coastal hazards and observations using satellite imagery.

The lab’s River, Estuary and Ocean Observing Network (RECON) — a network of water quality sensors deployed throughout the Caloosahatchee River and estuary to provide real-time, water quality data — attracted their interest.

“They were interested in RECON and explored how the frequent satellite imagery loops could be applied to improving observations of harmful algal blooms, freshwater discharges, and post-hurricane disturbances,” said Marine Lab Director Eric Milbrandt.

Dan Lindsey, director of the Geostationary Extended Observation (GeoXO) satellite program, and Ryan Vandermeulen, NOAA’s lead for fisheries applications, discussed future possibilities with Milbrandt.

Currently, geostationary satellites provide the satellite loops of the western Atlantic used to track tropical disturbances and hurricanes.

The GeoXO satellite system will expand observations of Earth that the GOES-R Series currently provides from geostationary orbit. The information GeoXO supplies will address emerging environmental issues and challenges regarding weather, the ocean, and the climate.

NOAA expects that GeoXO will begin operating in the early 2030s as the GOES-R Series nears the end of its operational lifetime.

“The GeoXO satellite adds ocean color and temperature to study climate change effects, such as marine heat waves and harmful algal blooms on coastal ecosystems,” said Milbrandt.

The meeting was arranged by a part-time Sanibel resident Joe Zajic, who splits time between Silver Springs, MD, and Sanibel.

“Joe is familiar with the scope of SCCF’s research and outreach and we want to thank him for making the connection,” Milbrandt added.

From left to right, Eric Milbrandt (SCCF), A.J. Martignette (SCCF), Ryan Vandermeulen (NOAA), Dan Lindsey (NOAA), and Joe Zajic.