Marit van Oostende

During my PhD, I worked extensively with large, merged ocean colour datasets, in particular the Ocean Colour Climate Change Initiative (OC-CCI). My research addressed inter-mission inconsistencies in long-term satellite records and analysed climate-driven trends in phytoplankton dynamics and global phenology, with a focus on robust trend detection at global scales.

I have broad experience with optical water quality applications across different aquatic systems, including inland waters, coastal seas and the open ocean. My work has involved eutrophication, harmful algal blooms, benthic composition and sediment dynamics, as well as atmospheric correction, radiative transfer modelling and large-scale data processing.

I have participated in multiple field campaigns, working with optical and radiometric sensors, and have experience with laboratory measurements and validation of satellite observations.

In my current postdoctoral position at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, I apply my background in aquatic remote sensing to inland water quality monitoring. Within the Knowledge Network Water, I work on the water quality theme, contributing to the development of practical applications of satellite data and Earth observation that support Dutch water managers.

I am responsible for the development and execution of the EO4WQ-NL project (Earth Observation 4 Water Quality Netherlands). The project focuses on the development of new satellite-based methods for year-round monitoring of water quality in Dutch inland waters. It combines satellite imagery with field measurements, laboratory analyses and analytical approaches to improve the detection and interpretation of water quality dynamics.

I obtained my PhD in Optical Oceanography from Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon and Kiel University (Germany), where my research focused on aquatic remote sensing, satellite data harmonisation, and long-term analysis of global ocean colour datasets. I hold an MSc in Hydrology from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (The Netherlands). My Master’s thesis was conducted at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Canberra, within the Oceans and Atmosphere research group, and focused on evaluating Sentinel-2 and hyperspectral imagery for detecting and separating benthic substrates in coral reef environments. During my studies, I completed two research internships and research positions at CSIRO (Canberra, Australia), both within the Oceans and Atmosphere group. I obtained my BSc in Earth Sciences from the University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands). My Bachelor’s thesis focused on the comparison of simulated Landsat-7, Landsat-8, Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 satellite data for detecting inland water quality variables.

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