Mobile device application for monitoring cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms using Sentinel-3 satellite Ocean and Land Colour Instruments

Abstract Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms(cyanoHAB) cause human and ecological healthproblems in lakes worldwide. The timely distribution of satellite-derived cyanoHAB data is necessary for adaptive water qualitymanagement and for targeted deployment of water qualitymonitoring resources. Software platforms that permit timely, useful, and cost-effective delivery of information from satellites are required to help managers respond to cyanoHABs. The CyanobacteriaAssessment Network ( CyAN) mobile device application (app) uses data from the European Space Agency CopernicusSentinel-3 satellite Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) in near real-time to make initial water qualityassessments and quickly alert managers to potential problems and emerging threats related to cyanobacteria. App functionality and satellite data were validated with 25 state health advisories issued in 2017. The CyANapp provides water qualitymanagers with a user-friendly platform that reduces the complexities associated with accessing satellite data to allow fast, efficient, initial assessments across lakes.