Satellite tracks spread of algae

The programme's aim is to monitor the global environment

Space-age technology is being used in the region to monitor the environment.

Plymouth Marine Laboratory has been using satellites to track the spread of a type of algae off the coast of Devon and Cornwall.

The tracking will be used to try to predict the spread of the algae which can be poisonous to fish and shellfish.

Scientists from the European Commission and European Space Agency will discuss the programme at a conference at the Eden Project in Cornwall on Tuesday.

Researchers have also been working with colleagues in Norway to monitor a similar algal bloom off Scandinavia.

The pilot project is part of a joint programme on global environmental monitoring.