Monitoring coastal waters of the Lisbon Area (Portugal) in support of EU directive implementation

Ensuring optimal nutrient conditions is crucial for preserving natural ecosystems and sustaining key sectors like oyster farming in the blue economy. This service, led by teams from the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), plays a vital role in evaluating water masses defined by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and complements existing monitoring programs ensuring a comprehensive approach to water quality assessment and environmental management.

The LisOcean numerical model application developed simulates hydrodynamics and biogeochemistry along the Lisbon Metropolitan Area coast, heavily influenced by Tagus and Sado river discharges and associated estuaries. This comprehensive application integrates the entire water continuum from river to open ocean, utilizing operational meteorological, oceanographic, and hydrological information. The service contributes to the Water Framework Directive (WFD) by integrating modeling results in defined water masses and estimating nutrient exports relevant to Descriptor 5 (Eutrophication) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). It explores the extension and impact of estuarine plumes, emphasizing nutrient interconnections and enhancing understanding of nutrient dynamics from estuary to open ocean, comparing its significance with coastal upwelling.

This Use Case was funded by the Copernicus Marine Service User Engagement Programme 2022-2028.