Authors: Anthea Chloe Pillay, Zahra Okba

2. Introduction

2.1. Overview

The purpose of this e-manual is to introduce the use of ocean colour remote sensing and data analysis as a tool for marine environment protection and conservation and has been produced by Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP Africa). In-situ observations have been traditionally used to evaluate water quality and quantify the state of marine environment. However, in-situ observations are costly and limiting (both spatially and temporally) as they are only able to provide point representation of the ocean at a time. Remote sensing provides a synoptic view of the ocean and allows the quantification of water quality parameters over large spatial and temporal scales consistently. Nonetheless, in-situ observations remain as important means of accuracy evaluation of remotely sensed data such as ocean colour remote sensing data.

This e-manual provides a basic introduction to ocean colour remote sensing and the methodologies associated with the processing and analysis of such data, by serving as to a step-by-step guide to help ECOPs understand the key principles of ocean colour remote sensing, the various tools and software used in this field, and the methodologies involved in retrieving and analysing ocean colour data. The e-manual is written in an accessible language and provides practical examples and illustrations where ECOPs navigate the complexities of ocean colour remote sensing data analysis. It provides a clear and comprehensive guide, and aims to empower ECOPs to conduct their own research and contribute to the global understanding of the oceanographic environment. Whether you are a student, researcher, or practitioner, this e-manual is an essential resource for anyone who wants to leverage ocean colour remote sensing as a tool to understand the impacts of the changing ocean on biological activity.

This initiative aims to contribute to the call for Decade Actions from the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The Ocean Decade (2021-2030) is aimed at accelerating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, seas and marine resources. This manual contributes to the above by addressing the following Ocean Challenges

• Skills, knowledge and technology for all;

• Understand and beat marine pollution; and

• Expand the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).