Abstract
The FerryBox project, supported by the EC has documented that Ferryboxes are mature systems
for monitoring of water quality in coastal areas. A network of Ferryboxes has been established
within the North Sea/Skagerrak and Norwegian Sea. Four ferries are at the moment in operation
in these areas and new lines are planned. The network and results from observations will be
presented. The results are available in real time for the core sensors temperature, salinity,
particles and algal biomass measured as Chlorophyll-a fluorescence. The systems are also
equipped with a water sampling system can be triggered remotely. This makes the system very
operational for e.g. monitoring of harmful algal blooms.
New sensors and measurements of e.g. nutrients are considered based on the experience from the
FerryBox project. In addition advanced measurement of water leaving reflectance is measured
and is used for real time validation of optical satellite data. The Ferrybox results are compared
with remote sensing data, in order to have a better knowledge of the spatial development and
combined with numerical models to improve significance. The data from the Ferrybox sensors
and satellite data are presented in a common portal to have easy access to all data and additional
information.
