MARE showcases innovation in marine observation at "Terra em Foco 2026"

The team from MARE / ARNET at FCUL participated in the national Earth Observation conference Terra em Foco 2026, held in Coimbra, to strengthen the contribution of marine research to the development of satellite-based solutions. Organised by the Portuguese Space Agency, the conference brought together around 280 participants at its most-attended edition to date, establishing itself as a key meeting point for the Portuguese Earth Observation community. In a context of increasing pressure on territory and natural resources, these technologies are playing an increasingly important role in addressing challenges such as climate change and the monitoring of extreme events.

Monitoring the ocean from space

MARE/ARNET and the CoastNet Infrastructure were represented by researchers Afonso Ferreira, Giulia Sent and Graça Sofia Nunes, who presented work developed by the PhyRS – Phytoplankton Monitoring and Remote Sensing research group, focused on the monitoring of aquatic ecosystems.

In addition to their presence at the exhibition stand, the group also presented a scientific poster highlighting an integrated approach that combines satellite data with in situ measurements, algorithm development, and calibration and validation processes. This approach enhances the monitoring of key parameters such as phytoplankton biomass and diversity, suspended sediments, and dissolved organic matter.

As highlighted by Afonso Ferreira, “the Earth Observation community remains largely focused on terrestrial environments, often overlooking the marine domain, despite the significant progress still to be made in this field.”

In this context, the participation of MARE/ARNET and the CoastNet Infrastructure was particularly relevant in reinforcing the role of marine research within the Earth Observation community..

From science to application and collaboration

The work developed by the PhyRS group is based on a strong link between science and application, including the validation of satellite-derived products and the implementation of bio-optical techniques in operational contexts. This approach is essential to ensure data quality and usability, contributing to a better understanding of aquatic ecosystems and supporting environmental decision-making.

Participation in Terra em Foco 2026 provided an opportunity to discuss the application of these methodologies in real-world environmental management contexts and to identify opportunities for collaboration with public and private stakeholders in Earth Observation.

According to Afonso Ferreira, “visitors highlighted the fact that MARE, within the CoastNet infrastructure, provides open and freely accessible environmental data, which is still relatively uncommon in Portugal.”

This recognition reinforces the importance of integrating Earth Observation data with in situ measurements to ensure robust information that can effectively support

Text: Vera Sequeira, Afonso Ferreira, Graça Sofia Nunes, Giulia Sent
Images: Researchers