Mapping the spatial and temporal variations of water quality in Dublin Bay

Dublin Bay is a shallow bay on Ireland’s east coast measuring 296 km2 and containing the country’s busiest port with 31 million tonnes of cargo and 1.6 million ferry passengers passing through each year. Several unique... [ view full abstract ]

Dublin Bay is a shallow bay on Ireland’s east coast measuring 296 km2 and containing the country’s busiest port with 31 million tonnes of cargo and 1.6 million ferry passengers passing through each year. Several unique habitats are also situated within the bay which are home to internationally important bird populations. Due to the ecological significance of the area it has recently been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere. In-depth knowledge of the environmental conditions of such a complex ecosystem is essential to ensure proper management of this national resource. We propose to build on existing physical, chemical and biological data in Dublin Bay by developing in-situ water-column sensors that will be validated with traditional analysis of water properties. Here we present data obtained through a comprehensive study of the bay using a combination of in-situ and remote sensing approaches. Conductivity, temperature, turbidity, and colour dissolved organic matter (CDOM) data were collected using mobile sensing systems and boat based transects. Real-time information was obtained on water column variables that can be used to glean information from remote (including satellite) sensing that provides the information required to develop empirical models that inform and predict coastal response to environmental stimuli. The goal is to integrate this information with seabed mapping, geochemical and microbiological information to get a true picture of water quality in Dublin Bay.