Introduction

Algal blooms and red tides in subtropical coastal waters are often short-lived and unpredictable. Routine water quality sampling cannot capture these dynamic variations in water quality. A telemetry system for continuous on-line monitoring of key water quality and environmental variables has been successfully developed and deployed on site. This study aims to provide better insights into the understanding of algal bloom dynamics through continuous online field monitoring, water quality modelling and data assimilation methods.

Monitoring Stations and Equipment

Continuous telemetric water quality monitoring stations have been developed at Kat O (Northeastern New Territories) and Luk Chau Wan (Lamma Island). The continuous key water quality and hydro-meteorological measurements are supplemented by regular biweekly water quality sampling (e.g. direct Chlorophyll-a measurements) to provide accurate long term research data for analysis, hydrodynamic and water quality modelling, and data driven modelling.

Field Station in Luk Chau Wan, Lamma Island

Field Station in Kat O

Schematic Diagram of the Telemetry System

Red tide observed at Kat O, Feb. 2000 Telemetry Measuring facilities

Observed algal and DO dynamics during a diatom bloom at Luk Chau Wan, July 2002

Observed algal and DO dynamics during a dinoflagellate bloom at Kat O, March 2001

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