AUTHOR=Brewin Robert J. W. , Sun Xuerong , Aurin Dirk A. , Viljoen Johannes J. , Walsh Christopher , Sathyendranath Shubha TITLE=Superyachts could support satellite ocean colour validation JOURNAL=Frontiers in Remote Sensing VOLUME=5 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/remote-sensing/articles/10.3389/frsen.2024.1336494 DOI=10.3389/frsen.2024.1336494 ISSN=2673-6187 ABSTRACT=

Visible spectral radiometry of seawater, often referred to as ocean colour, from space, provides a synoptic view of surface phytoplankton, and other optically-active constituents, at high temporal resolution, that is unsurpassed by any other technology. Yet, in-situ observations of ocean colour are critical to the success of the satellite, tracking the calibration of the radiometers and validating atmospheric correction algorithms. Owing to the high cost of commercial field radiometers, as well as the high costs associated with ocean-based field work, ocean colour scientists are plagued by a sparsity of high quality in-situ radiometric observations, particularly in remote regions. In this perspective article, we highlight potential to increase the number of in-situ observations of ocean colour by harnessing superyachts. Using openly-available data processing software, we show that automated ocean colour data collected using a superyacht can be used for the validation of an ocean colour satellite, with comparable results to traditional validation studies. Reaching out to wealthy citizen scientists may help fill gaps in our ability to monitor the colour of the ocean.