FerryBox — Real-time monitoring of water quality by ferryboats

Results from the experiences of two years demonstrate the functionality and applicability of autonomous monitoring systems on ships of opportunity (FerryBox). Recent measurements shows that continuous chemical-biological data from the ferry route across the North Sea will provide scientists and monitoring authorities with information on the eutrophication status and enhance the existing knowledge on nutrient and plankton dynamics. The possibilities of the combination of FerryBox data with remote sensing measurements and models in order to enhance the information from one transect to a larger area are shown.