The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences (XMAS 2025)

1585 / 2024-10-06 21:28:04

Ocean Deoxygenation Monitoring at the Al Hoceima Marine Observatory: From Sensor Networks to Glider Missions

Ocean Deoxygenation,Marine Observatory,Glider Missions,Oxygen Sensors,Smart MPAs,Alboran Sea,GO2NE

The Marine Observatory of Al Hoceima, the first operational marine observatory in North Africa, plays a pivotal role in monitoring ocean deoxygenation, a growing global concern. Since 2020, the observatory has deployed an array of advanced technologies, including bottom and surface sensors, to measure oxygen levels and other key oceanographic parameters in real-time. These systems provide critical data on the declining oxygen content in marine environments, contributing to a deeper understanding of its impact on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

In 2020, the observatory successfully conducted its first glider mission, covering vast sections of the Alboran Sea to collect detailed oxygen profiles. This mission laid the groundwork for future research, with additional glider deployments scheduled for 2025, aimed at enhancing data resolution and expanding spatial coverage. These initiatives form part of a long-term strategy to assess and mitigate the effects of ocean deoxygenation, aligning with international efforts such as the Global Ocean Oxygen Network (GO2NE).

Through continuous monitoring, real-time data collection, and partnerships with regional and international organizations, the observatory is at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by deoxygenation, contributing vital information for the development of adaptive marine management strategies and Smart Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).