MELMARINA project database now available
The MELMARINA research project has looked at the creation of management tools for aquatic resources in North Africa by monitoring and modelling coastal lagoons. Six research partners were involved in the venture, each with their own specialisation and focus. Surveys and monitoring programmes were set up to examine the themes of hydrology, water, sediment quality and aquatic ecology. In order to evaluate the longer term changes that have occurred, extant ground data and satellite remote sensing techniques were used. A hydraulic 2-D finite element model and an eutrophication model were applied to each key geographical site. This was done in order to evaluate the impact of future changes occurring as a result of rising sea level. All this information has now been compiled into a comprehensive database, put together by researchers at University College London. The data was incorporated within a geographic information system (GIS) and time series database. The historical data for each of the primary sites were presented per country. Secondary data, cartographic maps, aerial photographs, relevant scientific publications, vegetation and fish surveys were also incorporated. The databases were used for visualising spatial data and preparing data for inclusion within the modelling and remote sensing work.