Satlink Drifters Support TecMAReco Surface Current Research

24 September 2026
Edited By: Lauren Ernst

Understanding how ocean surface currents transport floating marine debris is essential to tackling one of the most persistent forms of marine pollution. Knowing where floating materials travel, where they accumulate, and how they interact with coastal environments helps researchers improve ocean circulation models, better predict the movement of floating debris, and generate the scientific evidence needed to support more effective conservation and management strategies.

(Image credit: Satlink)

To support this work, the University of Malta has selected Satlink’s satellite-connected surface drifters for the TecMAReco project, which develops innovative technologies and methodologies to improve the understanding and management of coastal and marine environments. The deployment will provide researchers with real-time observations of surface currents and sea surface temperature, supporting studies on the transport of floating marine debris and ocean surface dynamics.

Satlink’s drifter units transmit their GNSS position and sea surface temperature (SST) via satellite in real time, enabling researchers to track the movement of surface waters, validate circulation models, and better understand the processes driving the transport of floating materials.

The project also includes access to Satlink’s cloud-based monitoring platform, allowing researchers to monitor each deployment in real time, manage multiple field campaigns, and analyze incoming data through a single interface. Combined with the drifters’ robust and reusable design, the system provides a flexible solution for short- and long-term oceanographic research, enabling equipment to be recovered, reactivated, and redeployed across successive experiments.

“Reliable observations from the ocean are essential to understanding how marine environments evolve,” said Sander Zweers, Ocean Data Director at Satlink. “Our drifters provide researchers with accurate, real-time data on surface circulation, helping them better understand the movement of floating marine debris and the processes shaping marine ecosystems. We are proud to support projects such as TecMAReco, where robust ocean observations contribute to environmental research and better-informed marine management.”

The collaboration with the University of Malta marks another step in Satlink’s growing contribution to ocean observation initiatives worldwide. By providing reliable technologies for collecting real-time environmental data, the company supports researchers, governments, and marine stakeholders in improving the understanding of ocean processes and addressing today’s marine challenges. More than 10,000 customers in over 130 countries already rely on Satlink’s technologies to monitor the marine environment and support more informed decision-making.