Department of Remote Sensing and Marine Optics

The Department of Remote Sensing and Marine Optics at the Estonian Marine Institute focuses on developing and applying advanced optical remote sensing methods suitable for coastal seas and inland waters. The department also investigates the relationship between underwater light fields and aquatic organisms.

Key research areas include the detection and quantitative monitoring of potentially toxic phytoplankton blooms using remote sensing, mapping of phytobenthos and shallow water depth using satellite and airborne sensors, and studies related to the global carbon cycle. The department also develops primary production models and remote sensing techniques to assess water quality in the Baltic Sea and lakes.

The Department is equipped with one of Europe’s most advanced measurement instrument kits, including:

• Underwater instruments: WET Labs AC-S, ECO-BB3, ECO-VSF3 for spectral absorption, attenuation, optical scattering, and optical backscattering coefficient; Trios Ramses underwater spectrometers; Trios fluorometers for measuring chlorophyll-a, phycocyanin, and dissolved carbon concentrations
• Laboratory instruments: CytoBuoy flow cytometer
• Airborne remote sensing: HySpex hyperspectral remote sensing spectrometer