Hyperspectral imaging sensors and assessment of oceanic littoral zone phytoplankton dynamics

The development of hyperspectral imaging sensors allows extraction of spectral data from remotely sensed image data sets. This capability is of particular significance for productive littoral oceanic waters, which commonly have strong optical signals due to high concentrations of photosynthetic organisms such as phytoplankton. Remote sensing of ocean color, the approach used to detect phytoplankton, has focused on detection of chlorophyll a, a pigment common to all algae. Hyperspectral data enables detection of additional, taxonomically specific algal accessory pigments. In this manner, remote sensing capabilities are extended beyond estimation of phytoplankton biomass to the determination of algal population composition. Such information will allow detection and monitoring of toxic algal blooms such as red tides, and algal bloom events related to nutrient enrichment or other environmental perturbations