Observing the Water Quality in the Vicinity of Green Ports Located in the Marmara Sea, Turkey

Abstract

Detection of biological, physical and chemical parameters is needed for the determination of water quality. Some of these water quality parameters such as turbidity, chlorophyll-a, harmful algae, suspended sediment, submerged habitat and temperature, can be derived directly via the satellite remote sensing facilities, particularly through the ocean color sensors. The competitiveness of satellite remote sensing comes from its capability of extensive geographical range and temporal coverage. Thus, changes and trends in water quality can be monitored and assessed to a greater degree, especially under the dynamic conditions of coastal zones. This study focuses on the water quality parameters in the vicinity of Green Ports of Turkey located in the Marmara Sea. There are 12 certified Green Ports in Turkey, located mostly in the Marmara Sea. Marmara Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea and a passageway, which connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. There are 7 cities surrounding the Marmara Sea, representing the different anthropogenic aspects of civilization: Population, industry and agriculture. These aspects affect the water quality of the coastal zones in the Marmara Sea in different scales. Briefly, the aim of this study is to monitor and assess the impact of the Green Ports in the Marmara Sea region, in terms of water quality parameters detect-ed via the Earth Observation System. Consequently, it is concluded that remote sensing capabilities of the contemporary Earth Observation Systems provide reliable results of water quality parameters when coupled with the field measurements in order to use in further decision-making mechanisms.