Technologies for Ocean Sensing

ACRONYM
TechOceanS
Title
Technologies for Ocean Sensing
General information
TechOceanS will produce and demonstrate in multiple underwater vehicles, 9 new technologies enabling a step change in ocean biology, chemistry and plastic observation. The technologies include 5 sensors, two imaging systems, a sampler and a new image processing method using Artificial Intelligence (AI) that enables data compression and transmission of information about key variables from the remote ocean. All the systems are robust and submersible to >2000 m and collectively measure at least 63% (12/19) of priority Biogeochemical and Biology and Ecosystems “Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs)” and at least 53% (39/73) of these EOV’s sub-variables. The systems also measure litter, plastics, biotoxins, parasites, pathogens and organic pollutants of relevance to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) as well as fisheries, aquaculture and offshore industries. The sensors include: i) an in situ analyser for Nucleic Acids (DNA and RNA) including eDNA for quantifying species and genes; Lab on a chip (LOC) sensors that will sense ii) nutrients and the carbonate EOVs; and iii) organic contaminants and toxins detected with recombinant antibodies; iv) a primary productivity sensor using time resolved fluorescence; and v) a micro (LOC) cytometer for microorganisms and microplastics. The imaging systems will demonstrate the new image workflow and target benthic (seabed) and pelagic (water column) biology and plastic. The sampler collects up to 1000 particle samples and can be used for plastics, microorganisms and eDNA for later analysis (e.g. sequencing of nucleic acids.) TechOceanS will demonstrate technologies at two sites (Naples, Gran Canaria) for science, aquaculture, fisheries, regulator and industrial users. The project will both develop and use best practices, and will collaborate and disseminate widely with stakeholders and the international community including by hosting training events on ocean observing technologies. TechOceanS expects to commercialise the technologies resulting from this project. Wissenschaftliches Gebiet
Start
October, 2020
End
September, 2024
Funding (total)
8994000
Funding (GEOMAR)
499000
Funding body / Programme
    EU / Horizon 2020, Blue Growth
Coordination
Natural Environment Research Council, National Oceanography Centre (NERC-NOC), United Kingdom
Contact
Partners
National Oceanography Centre (NOC), UK
Dublin City University, Ireland
Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands, Spain
University of Southampton, UK
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Germany
Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italy
Computer Technology Institute and Press (CTI), Greece
Intrigo Limited, Ireland
Aqua Tt Uetp Company Limited By Guarantee, Ireland
Cyprus Subsea Consulting and Services C.S.C.S. Ltd (CSCS), Cyprus
Chelsea Technologies Limited, UK
Sorbonne University, France