Environmental satellites offer a particularly efficient and effective means of mapping and managing Australia’s vast marine territory, and understanding the oceans’ influence on our climate.

Specialised satellite instruments observe changes in global, regional and local sea surface temperatures, ocean colour, surface currents and ocean eddies, and wind speed and direction.

Instruments detecting sea surface temperature highlight different bodies of water associated with ocean currents, and the speed of currents and eddies, while the satellite altimeter measurements generate the equivalent of atmospheric pressure measurements (highs and lows). From this scientists can infer where the currents are likely to be flowing.

Satellite receiving stations have been established – Townsville, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Alice Springs, Melbourne, Hobart and the Antarctic, to receive satellite data.

Primary uses of this information are –

• Climate variability and seasonal forecasting
• Observing regional ocean currents
• Fisheries
• Observing phytoplankton
• Search and rescue
• Environmental protection
• Offshore industries
• Defence and security
• Short-term forecasting of sea and atmospheric conditions