INTEGRATED OBSERVATION, MONITORING AND PREDICTION ARCHITECTURE FOR FUNCTIONAL BIODIVERSITY OF COASTAL SEAS

Project Information

DiverSea

Grant agreement ID: 101082004

DOI

10.3030/101082004

EC signature date 28 July 2023

Start date 1 September 2023

End date 31 August 2027

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 9 688 013,92

EU contribution

€ 9 688 013,92

Coordinated by

NORGES TEKNISK-NATURVITENSKAPELIGE UNIVERSITET NTNU
Norway

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - DiverSea (INTEGRATED OBSERVATION, MONITORING AND PREDICTION ARCHITECTURE FOR FUNCTIONAL BIODIVERSITY OF COASTAL SEAS)

Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2025-02-28

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The project aims to enhance the observation, monitoring, mapping, and prediction of marine biodiversity in coastal seas across Europe. The project focuses on developing innovative methods for collecting and analyzing marine biodiversity data. Marine biodiversity is in decline, yet current monitoring and mapping approaches remain fragmented and limited in their ability to explain underlying causes.While advances in remote sensing, eDNA, robotics, and citizen science have expanded data collection, critical gaps persist in interpreting data and connecting biodiversity dynamics to ecosystem services.
The lack of integrated, cost-effective systems hinders evidence-based policymaking, limiting our ability to predict and mitigate biodiversity loss. DiverSEA addresses these gaps by developing an advanced, integrative architecture for marine biodiversity observation and monitoring. It merges cutting-edge molecular techniques, autonomous systems, and AI-driven data integration to establish a holistic framework for marine observation, bridging science, policy, and societal needs.
DiverSea’s overarching goal is to develop an Ocean observation, Monitoring, Mapping, and Prediction (OMoMaP) framework by:
•Biodiversity monitoring via eDNA and eRNA analysis for genetic-level resolution.
•Integrating emerging technologies (autonomous systems, satalites), citizen science) with traditional monitoring.
•Building an data architecture to analyze biodiversity, stressors, and ecosystem services by using AI/ML algoritm.
•Delivering policy-ready insights through the MARBIOSE Dashboard, enabling evidence-based decision-making and sustainable marine governance.
•Fostering transdisciplinary collaboration to enhance marine governance and global observation systems.

Through field-based case studies, scalable technologies, and stakeholder engagement, DiverSEA will establish a new standard in marine biodiversity science, supporting effective monitoring, planning, and conservation across Europe’s seas.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The DiverSea key activities and achievements include:
WP1: Developing Nucleic Acid Methods, Integrating Field Technologies, and Application to Field Case Studies: UPorto & INEGI developed a passive eDNA sampling prototype, tested with NTNU, enabling large-scale eDNA collection using AUVs. NTNU tested an autonomous E-DNA sampling system for better temporal coverage. UGOT optimized multiparameter CTD sensors for monitoring and improve low-cost CTDs, along with a portable ferry box for small boats. IMB proposed functional biodiversity indicators for benthic and planktonic communities in the Black Sea, conducting field surveys and developing new ecological assessment methods.UPorto led the Atlantic Coast Case Study (CS2), mapping seabed habitats with UAVs and deploying low-cost temperature sensors. NKUA conducted eDNA sampling and bioinformatics analyses and identifying microbial indicators in the Hellenic Volcanic Arc. NTNU conducted a field campaign in Trondheimsfjord, Norway, using USV AutoNaut, AUV, and HYPSO satellite to study phytoplankton blooms, collecting high-resolution data on chlorophyll, CDOM, turbidity, and temperature.
WP2: Data Space: Data Integration, Harmonization, Cataloguing, and Compatibility with Standards: GATE created the DiverSEA Data Space, validated by stakeholders, ensuring raw data preservation and mapping to logical (ontology) and physical (database) models. This established a data processing pipeline linking WP1, WP3, and WP4. All metadata from the case studies has been provided by the partners. AT contributed historical and new marine mammal data from the Balearic Islands, combining eDNA and passive acoustics for ocean data integration. IMB proposed the Argonaut Corridor Module for unified biodiversity data collection and analysis across case studies. NTNU developed a custom HYPSO package for hyperspectral satellite data, enabling chlorophyll-a and operational product derivation.
WP3: Combining AI-ML and Statistical Methods for Predictive Scenario Building: NTNU hired a post-doc to develop eDNA models combining presence and abundance predictions.
WP4: Knowledge Integration: The MARBIOSE Dashboard for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Goods and Services: VITO developed stakeholder engagement guidelines and a systemic toolbox for causal loop diagrams, supporting the MARBIOSE dashboard. They conducted webinars, workshops, and designed proof-of-concept models for ecosystem resilience and seagrass health.
WP5: Consilience, Public Interface, Communication, Dissemination & Exploitation: LPN launched the DiverSea website and social media (LinkedIn, X) and developed the DEOP with partners. LPN and AKD organized stakeholder workshops and citizen science initiatives, engaging over 100 participants in plankton monitoring and biodiversity surveys. IMB hosted a stakeholder forum in Odessa, discussing military impacts on marine biodiversity and engaging high school students in citizen science. AKD conducted stakeholder mapping and workshops in Turkey, focusing on marine protected areas and polluted zones, and developed a citizen science framework.
WP6: Project Coordination: NTNU organized the kick-off meeting in Porto (October 2023) and the annual meeting in Athens (October 2024), managing the Teams platform for communication.
WP7: Ethics Requirements: We suggest an amendment is required for the appropriate resourcing of the substantial work required to bring this WP back on track

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The DiverSea project introduced several innovative tools advancing marine biodiversity monitoring:

Functional Indicators: IMB developed morphofunctional indicators to assess ecosystem status based on species traits.
Scalable eDNA Sampling: UPorto and INEGI created a passive eDNA sampler enabling cost-effective, large-scale molecular monitoring. NTNU’s autonomous system allows year-round sampling in hard-to-reach regions.
Citizen Science & Low-Cost Tech: NTNU, UGOT, and AKD integrate frugal tools and citizen science; NTNU tested techniques in Tanzania with BC5 partners.
Systemic Toolbox: VITO’s causal loop analysis toolbox helps design stakeholder strategies and dashboards for policy-making.
Hyperspectral Imaging: NTNU’s custom HYPSO package extracts chlorophyll-a and other indicators from satellite data.
Data Space Design: GATE’s data space supports raw data from seven case studies, ensuring transparency, traceability, and future reprocessing, with protocols for cross-WP collaboration.