Technologies to support detection and tracking of plastic litter in aquatic environments capable of repeated observations at a wide-area scale have been getting increased interest from scientists and stakeholders. We report findings about thermal infrared optical properties of naturally dried samples of algae, sands, sea shells and synthetic plastics obtained in Chile. Diagnostic features of the dataset are foreseen to contribute towards research relevant in thermal infrared sensing of plastics.

As remote sensing is becoming more integral in future plastic litter monitoring strategies, there is need to improve our understanding of the optical properties of plastics. We present spectral reflectance data (350–2500 nm) of wet and dry marine-harvested (Atlantic and Pacific oceans), washed-ashore, and virgin plastics. Absorption features were identified at ~ 931, 1215, 1417 and 1732 nm in both the marine-harvested and washed-ashore plastics.

The Coastal Observing System for Northern and Arctic Seas (COSYNA) was established in order to better understand the complex interdisciplinary processes of northern seas and the Arctic coasts in a changing environment. Particular focus is given to the heavily used German Bight in the North Sea. The automated observing and modelling system is designed to monitor real-time conditions, to provide short-term forecasts and data products, and to assess the impact of anthropogenically induced change.

Maritime study sites utilized as a physical experimental test bed for sensor data fusion, communication technology and data stream analysis tools can provide substantial frameworks for design and development of e-navigation technologies. Increasing safety by observation and monitoring of the maritime environment with new technologies meets forward-looking needs to facilitate situational awareness. The study highlights research potentials and foundations achieved by distributed optical sensors.

In 2012 measurements were conducted in two adjacent estuary systems on Greenland’s western coast that are strongly influenced by glacial meltwater. Results described in this study show the relevance of inorganic SPM and Chl a alike, while colored dissolved organic matter is less prominent. Light availability was recorded throughout the cruise and an effective two-component (Chl a and inorganic SPM) model for PAR is developed to fill observational gaps from insufficient light conditions.

We present water level data derived from long-term measurements of water pressure at the Time Series Station Spiekeroog (southern North Sea). Problems addressed during data processing include outliers, data gaps and sensor drift. For quality control, we compared the processed data to measurements of water level obtained nearby. We also carried out a storm flood analysis and a Fourier analysis to identify major tidal components.