Preliminary Assessment of Oceanic Chlorophyll Concentration using MODIS-Aqua Ocean Color Satellite Data

Abstract

Ocean chlorophyll concentration is a crucial element in marine biology. The concentration is determined by the ocean current, nutrient levels, and temperature. Satellites like MODIS-Aqua, MODIS-Terra, Ocean sat, and VIIRS-SNPP is commonly used to measure ocean chlorophyll. This study examines the change in chlorophyll concentration from 2014 to 2019 globally and in India. A seasonal shift in India’s fishing potential was also studied in 2018. The study used MODIS-Aqua satellite Level 3 Ocean Colour data from NASA Ocean Colour. The data from the Giovanni portal is retrieved to analyse the monthly and seasonal mean chlorophyll concentrations globally and in India. Calculating zoning numbers revealed possible fishing spots. The results of the temporal study show that August (0.35 mg/m3) and September (0.34 mg/m3) have the highest average concentration of chlorophyll in the World. In India, the same months have the highest average concentrations of 0.80 mg/m3 and 0.73 mg/m3, respectively. Gujarat and West Bengal offer the best fishing possibilities all year. An extensive analysis can help define daily fishing potential based on chlorophyll, SST, and winds.