NEAT - A satellite-based technique to keep an eye on growing eutrophication threat to oceans

A carpet of algae, floating dead fish, a stench so powerful it irritates the lungs and stings the eyes, these are some of the effects of algal blooms, caused by ocean eutrophication, a deadly phenomenon for aquatic ecosystems. Eutrophication happens when excessive nutrients from agricultural, industrial and urban wastes enter the seas, leading to serious disruption of marine ecosystems, and the spread of harmful algal blooms, commonly known as red tides. A satellite imagery technique for timely detection of potential dead zones in the sea, developed by the UN Environment Northwest Pacific Regional Seas Programme is now ready for use to protect oceans from the serious threat of eutrophication. Marine scientists from China, Japan, Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation meeting endorsed the effectiveness of the Northwest Pacific Action Plan Eutrophication Assessment Tool (NEAT) in protecting the region from eutrophication that threatens marine and human health and can severely harm fisheries and tourism.
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