The marine environment

Abstract The European marine community has lent strong support to satellite remote sensing techniques that have emerged over the last 15-20 years. Now Europe has its own remote sensing satellite, the European Remote Sensing Satellite (ERS-1) largely directed to ocean measurements—especially surface winds, waves and currents-by means of its suite of microwave sensors. European marine scientists also played a significant role in the arduous task of extracting reliable ocean colour signals from the record of the Coastal Zone Colour Scanner (1978-1986) over European waters. Unlike meteorologists the marine community has not yet enjoyed the benefits of an operational satellite system [c.f the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's satellites (NOAA) and Meteosat], but the analysis of data provided by United States satellites indicates that this decade will sec substantial benefits accrue to a wide variety of marine activities. Through its European Space Agency and through dedicated national programmes, Europe is now cast as one of the key players in remote sensing of the marine environment.