HyperBOOST: Hyperspectral Bio-Optical Observations Sailing on Tara

The 2-year project funded by The European Space Agency focuses on the validation of satellite data through in situ observations collected via the TREC (TRaversing European Coastlines) expedition around the European coast.

Using new and existing instrumentation and sampling methods, the project will provide vital data for optically complex coastal waters to help monitor biodiversity.

Find out more about the project

Image credit: Kinga Lubowiecka/EMBL

A scientific expedition to understand biodiversity and ecosystems along European coastlines

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is leading the large pan European TREC (TRaversing European Coastlines) project which will sample at more than 120 coastal sites between April 2023 and June 2024, collaborating with The Tara Ocean Foundation together with The Tara Oceans Consortium and The EMBRC (European Marine Biological Resource Centre).

The expedition is utilising the 36 metre schooner Tara which has been adapted into a floating laboratory with an onboard wet laboratory. HyperBOOST has installed state-of-the-art sensors to validate satellite data in relation to coastal biodiversity. It is one of several sub-projects to the expedition that is utilising the floating laboratory to improve understanding of coastal ecosystems

About the expedition

Latest updates from the project

Project update | Thu

New publication on spatial structure of in situ reflectance in coastal and inland waters

A new paper has been published as part of the HyperBOOST project in the journal Frontiers in Remote Sensing entitled "Spatial structure of in situ reflectance in coastal and inland waters: implications for satellite validation".

Hosting students for a week of work experience

To ensure the promotion of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the work experience was offered to a selection of local schools from varying social backgrounds. Gender diversity was also important to promote careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for women. Students worked in teams to learn what the daily work of marine scientist looks […]