Environmental monitoring sensor intelligence towards predictive/operational assessment of beach closures using remotely sensed data the environmental protection agency, in collaboration with…

Environmental monitoring sensor intelligence towards predictive/operational assessment of beach closures using remotely sensed data the environmental protection agency, in collaboration with environmental monitoring sensor intelligence corporation (envmsi), proposes to link existing NASA earth science products with empirical models of beach contamination. This effort will provide decision-makers with operational tools to gain a better situational awareness of potentially hazardous conditions in beach ecosystems. Better forecasting tools will potentially maximize the extremely valuable ecological services to humans that many urban coastal regions provide and enhance the revenue base to their associated communities. Proposed research will be conducted in pensacola beach, florida with current beach management activities in order to make potential users a part of the development cycle. The anticipated users depend upon weekly toxicology reports to make beach management decisions. Their understanding of the levels of hazards such as enterococcus and fecal coliform has a direct impact on decision making at multiple levels and the potential for maximizing the usefulness of the beach resource. Week old data sets are currently the only indicators beach managers, activity coordinators, and the general public use in decision making about potential risks along beaches and coastal areas. In addition, the local heath department has the responsibility to inform the public of these potential risks as well. A way is needed to enhance decision-making activities by providing access to current new and ecological forecasting models that are driven by changes in environmental conditions. This technical approach will leverage NASA remote sensor, with in situ deployments and ecological models to enhance existing decision-making. This study will provide better environmental data for decision-makers to optimize the benefits of ecosystems services against the benefits of manmade development projects. The monitoring sample sites will be strategically selected via collaboration with EPA scientists, regional planners, and decision-makers. The proposal responds to NNH08ZDA001N-feasibility topic: ecological forecasting.