Real-time oceanographic measurements using the M3A system

Abstract The design and development of a prototype buoy system able to provide biochemical data in the euphotic zone and physical measurements in the upper main thermocline are presented in this paper. The satellite data telemetry and the large autonomy of the system allow its operation in both near-shore and open ocean sites. The system architecture is described and selected results from the in situ measurements during its pilot operation in the Mediterranean Sea are presented. It is shown that the system can provide high quality measurements that improve our understanding of open sea ecosystem functioning and contribute towards reliable environmental predictions.