The Science Center for Marine Fisheries (SCEMFIS) has announced that scientists from the NASA Earth Science Division have joined its Industry Advisory Board, marking a step toward expanding the use of satellite-based ocean data in fisheries research.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen engagement between NASA researchers and the commercial fishing sector while enabling SCEMFIS to incorporate Earth observation data into future studies on key fish species and ocean conditions.
For several decades, NASA satellites have been collecting information on the biological and physical characteristics of the world’s oceans. This data has become increasingly valuable for fisheries science, as measurements such as sea surface temperature help researchers understand changes in the distribution and health of species, including Atlantic menhaden and Illex squid.
Another important parameter known as “ocean color” provides insights into the presence and concentration of phytoplankton—microscopic organisms that form the base of the marine food chain. Because various particles and organisms reflect light in different ways, satellite sensors can detect changes in ocean color, allowing scientists to identify areas where phytoplankton populations are abundant.
These organisms play a critical role not only in sustaining fish populations but also in producing a significant portion of the planet’s oxygen. According to SCEMFIS, decades of satellite observations monitoring phytoplankton and other ocean indicators have helped researchers better understand marine ecosystem health and the environmental factors influencing fisheries.
By joining the SCEMFIS advisory board, NASA scientists are expected to support the application of satellite data in new fisheries-related research and explore additional commercial uses for Earth science observations.