A satellite-based mobile warning system to reduce interactions with an endangered species

Earth observing satellites are a major research tool for spatially explicit ecosystem nowcasting and forecasting. However, there are practical challenges when integrating satellite data into usable real-time products for stakeholders. The need of forecast immediacy and accuracy means that forecast systems must account for missing data and data latency while delivering a timely, accurate and actionable product to stakeholders. This is especially true for species that have legal protection. Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus (Atlantic Sturgeon) were listed under the United States Endangered Species Act in 2012, which triggered immediate management action to foster population recovery and increase conservation measures. Building upon an existing research occurrence model, we developed an Atlantic Sturgeon forecast system in the Delaware Bay, U.S.A. To overcome missing satellite data due to clouds and produce a three-day forecast of ocean conditions, we implemented Data Interpolating Empirical...