A new multiparametric in-site spectroscopic measurement platform for coastal water quality assessment will be developed based on an original prototype containing a high-resolution spectrometer and light sources. Research concentrates on innovative optical sensors and new sensor surfaces for high analytic specific detection as well as for group specific detection (sum parameter). Complementary sensors will be included to account for the highly variable coastal water quality. The data will be evaluated by means of pattern recognition for improved reliability. An extensive qualifying programme will include field tests at relevant European sites to end up with an approved system that will be ready for use.