Operational Oceanography in Ports and Coastal Areas, Applications for the Management of Pollution Events

Abstract

Maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment were the primary objectives of two European projects that the National Research Council of Italy had participated in, with numerical applications in two areas located in the northern part of Sardinia, Italy. Specifically, two operational Numerical Prediction Systems (NPS) for pollution risk management were developed; the first was applied to the area of the Bonifacio Strait and the Gulf of Asinara and the second to the port of Olbia. These systems are composed of many oceans and particle tracking numerical models. They are forced with meteorological and ocean data provided by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and Copernicus Marine Service and their outputs have been compared with in situ measurements for preliminary calibration. A web graphical interface was ad hoc designed, specifically responding to projects’ needs, providing online access to a 3-day oceanographic forecast and advanced diagnostic variables like Oil Stranding Time, Risk Score and Water Age. These products, along with the interactive web platform, prove invaluable for marine spatial planning, prevention and emergency management at sea, for the use of competent governmental and local bodies.