• chlorophyll a
• Copernicus
• dinoflagellates
• HABs
• Ligurian Sea
• Mediterranean Sea
• ocean color
• OLCI
• Ostreopsis ovata
• satellites
• Sentinel-3

This study aims to explore the potential of satellite observations for the analysis of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), focusing on Ostreopsis ovata. HABs represent ecologically significant events with negative impacts on marine organisms and human health. Compared to traditional in situ monitoring techniques, the satellite approach offers superior temporal and spatial resolutions. This study explores the integration of such techniques, evaluating the use of satellite-detected chlorophyll concentrations as an indirect indicator of O. ovata blooms. The analysis is supported by environmental guidelines and the ability of satellite sensors to detect information from electromagnetic radiation from the surface layers of the water column (Ocean color). The use of satellite data for the coastal zone has been made possible by the advent of the new ESA satellites, Sentinel-3 of which data collected by the OLCI sensor are available through the Copernicus Marine Service. The thesis work, conducted at the Institute of Marine Sciences Working Location Florence (ISMAR_FI) of the National Research Council (CNR) in Sesto Fiorentino (FI), aims to inform about the upcoming implementations in professional environmental practices, of satellite monitoring systems, thus trying to contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems and public health.