in-situ monitoring
in-situ monitoring on World Data Ocean: a running collection of 10 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on in-situ monitoring in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. A Global Hub for Ocean Intelligence 4 World Data Ocean is a centralized digital platform where researchers, scientists, and ocean enthusiasts converge to explore, analyze, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around in-situ monitoring, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything World Data Ocean is covering right now.
Plankton imager 10 monitoring in the southern North Sea: an open workflow for classification, morphometry and DwC-A publication
Plankton, foundational to marine food webs, are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts. High-frequency plankton imaging offers crucial insights into community composition and size, yet standardized workflows for processing and publishing these data remain scarce. This study details the deployment of the Plankton Imager 10 (Pi-10) in the southern North Sea and introduces an open, modular pipeline for data processing, classification, and Darwin-Core Archive (DwC-A) publication.
Autonomous quantification of kelp biomass on offshore aquaculture installations using side scan sonar
The escalating global demand for macroalgae—driven by its potential as a sustainable food source, carbon dioxide removal tool, and resource for pharmaceuticals—necessitates efficient monitoring methods. Traditional techniques are costly and limited in scope. This research introduces an innovative approach: autonomous quantification of kelp biomass on offshore aquaculture installations using side scan sonar. Our validated method estimates kelp height and standing biomass, demonstrated on a commercial installation off Santa Barbara, California.
A multi-method approach for monitoring deep-sea fishes on a seamount in a marine protected area within the West Mariana Ridge
Effective marine resource management demands robust monitoring, particularly for vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems. This study presents a multi-method approach to assess fish communities on Ritto Seamount, a marine protected area within the West Mariana Ridge. Combining environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling and visual surveys across two depth strata, utilizing diverse platforms like ROVs and AUVs, revealed low overlap in species detection—highlighting the value of integrated data. Notably, eDNA detected a greater abundance of pelagic species.
Data-driven modelling of coastal water quality dynamics
Long-term coastal monitoring offers a unique opportunity to assess water quality predictability, yet existing machine learning studies often lack comprehensive scope. Our analysis of 37 years of data from 94 stations across four Hong Kong Bay systems reveals significant regional variations in predictability and key predictors. Tree-based models demonstrated robust performance, particularly for temperature and salinity, while chlorophyll-a proved consistently challenging to forecast.
Offshore floating photovoltaic: from ecological impact pathways to MSFD criteria
Offshore floating photovoltaics (OFPV) represent a rapidly expanding maritime renewable energy technology, yet a comprehensive understanding of their ecological impacts lags behind that of offshore wind. This study establishes a process-based framework aligning OFPV impact assessment with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), identifying key areas of concern, particularly descriptors D1 through D7. Our analysis reveals critical knowledge gaps regarding causal mechanisms and cumulative impacts, highlighting the need for robust monitoring and modeling.
Transcriptomic response of Acropora cervicornis following transplantation to a marginal, nearshore environment
The transcriptomic response of Acropora cervicornis following transplantation to a nearshore, urbanized environment offers vital insights into coral acclimatization and restoration success. As coral cover declines globally, understanding molecular responses is crucial for enhancing restoration efforts. This study examines gene expression changes in A. cervicornis after outplanting from an offshore nursery in Key Biscayne, Florida, to a more challenging habitat in the Port of Miami.
Trade-offs of nest relocation in hawksbill turtles: effects on hatching success and hatchling performance
Nest relocation is a common strategy employed to protect hawksbill turtle clutches from threats such as inundation and predation. However, the impact on hatchling quality, particularly in extreme thermal conditions like those in the Arabian Gulf, remains ambiguous. This study compares three incubation strategies— in situ, ex situ, and split-clutch— to assess their effects on hatching success and hatchling performance. Results indicate that while ex situ relocation enhances hatching rates, it may compromise hatchling physical performance.
Cm-scale marine habitat mapping of entire Tumon Bay, Guam Coral Reef using NASA airborne fluid lensing and NeMO-Net pre (2022) and post (2024) Typhoon Mawar
This study presents cm-scale marine habitat maps of Tumon Bay, Guam's coral reefs, utilizing NASA's airborne fluid lensing and the NeMO-Net platform to assess ecological changes before and after Typhoon Mawar. High-resolution imaging is essential for understanding coral ecosystem dynamics, yet monitoring at relevant spatial and temporal scales poses challenges.
Diversity and environmental drivers of toxic microalgae in coastal waters of Panama: ecological and public health implications
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are increasingly recognized as significant ecological and public health threats in tropical coastal ecosystems, particularly where biodiversity meets rising human pressures. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of toxic microalgae across Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean waters, identifying 234 taxa linked to various shellfish poisoning syndromes. Monthly phytoplankton surveys and exploratory observations reveal environmental factors shaping these assemblages.
An integrated ecological and biochemical approach to the management of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus in a Po Delta lagoon
This study presents an integrated ecological and biochemical approach to managing the invasive blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, in the Valle Fattibello lagoon of the Northern Adriatic Sea. By analyzing population dynamics, stock status, and biomass valorization, we reveal the species' reproductive patterns and growth trajectories, highlighting the influence of salinity on catchability. Furthermore, biochemical profiling demonstrates significant seasonal and sex-specific shifts in composition, indicating high-value biorefinery potential.