Using the second-generation Environmental Sample Processor to provide near real-time observations of harmful algae and assess biodiversity and ecosystem change

Authors

Stephanie K. Moore, Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, USAFollow
Nicolaus G. Adams, Environmental and Fisheries Science Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, USAFollow
John B. Mickett, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th St., Seattle, WA 98105, USAFollow
Christina M. Mikulski, Stressor Detection and Impacts Division, National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 219 Fort Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC 29412, USAFollow
Nicolas Michel-Hart, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th St., Seattle, WA 98105, USAFollow
James M. Birch, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USAFollow
Brent Roman, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, CA 95039, USAFollow
Jan A. Newton, Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems, Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th St., Seattle, WA 98105, USAFollow

BOOC Keywords

Environmental Sample Processor, real-time, harmful algae, domoic acid, biodiversity, eDNA, ecosystem assessment, NANOOS, OCNMS, Pacific Northwest, Washington

Abstract

The second-generation Environmental Sample Processor (2G-ESP) is a sophisticated autonomous sensor platform and a key component of offshore observing efforts designed to mitigate the societal impacts of harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Pacific Northwest. Deployed as part of a moored observatory, the 2G-ESP generates near real-time data on HAB organisms and the biotoxin domoic acid, providing critical HAB early warning and directly informing HAB forecasts and fisheries management decisions. In addition, the platform’s capacity to archive environmental DNA enables retrospective analyses of biodiversity and ecosystem change. These capabilities facilitate interdisciplinary scientific collaboration and information sharing, ultimately enhancing our collective understanding of HAB dynamics and broader ecosystem health.

Case ID

1143

Recommended Citation

Moore, Stephanie K.; Adams, Nicolaus G.; Mickett, John B.; Mikulski, Christina M.; Michel-Hart, Nicolas; Birch, James M.; Roman, Brent; and Newton, Jan A. (2026) "Using the second-generation Environmental Sample Processor to provide near real-time observations of harmful algae and assess biodiversity and ecosystem change," Benefits of Ocean Observing Catalog (BOOC): Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15351/3068-2320.1149

Document Type

Article