Beakon Abate

Operational since March 2000, the ABATE Station is strategically located approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast, in waters about 20 meters deep (GPS coordinates: 45.25 N – 12.77666 E). This vital facility is owned by the Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione dell’Ambiente del Veneto (ARPAV) and features advanced equipment from the Tide Forecasting and Reporting Center of the City of Venice. 

Serving as a key site for monitoring long-term biogeochemical variables for the Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), the ABATE Station plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the marine environment. Its strategic position facilitates the collection of essential meteorological data, which is instrumental in forecasting sea and tidal conditions for the northern Adriatic and the Venice Lagoon. 

The station records meteorological, hydrological, and current measurements with impressive frequency, distributing this data every 10 minutes. In addition, it conducts monthly sampling of hydrological (CTD) and biogeochemical parameters, including dissolved oxygen, inorganic nutrients, pH (pHT), phytoplankton and zooplankton, and chlorophyll. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough examination of the aquatic ecosystem. 

Moreover, the ABATE Station is an integral part of the European research infrastructure LTER, contributing to the ongoing study of the Upper Adriatic ecosystem.