Svea expedition to explore life in the depths of the Skagerrak
This summer, the research vessel Svea will set out on an international expedition to the Skagerrak. The project is funded through the EU programme AQUARIUS and brings together researchers from several countries to investigate deeper marine environments.
Over the course of one week in July, the project, SCANDSKAGEX26, will operate in areas that remain relatively poorly understood, yet are important both for biodiversity and for the ocean’s role in the climate system. The researchers will map seabed habitats, study fish using camera-based methods, and test new techniques for tagging fish below the surface. At the same time, the role of the seabed as a carbon sink will be examined through analyses of sediments and how carbon is stored in these environments.
“This is a unique opportunity to carry out a joint Scandinavian expedition to our nearest ‘deep sea in miniature’, and to generate new knowledge that is essential for the conservation of the Skagerrak,” says Even Moland, project lead and researcher at the Institute of Marine Research in Norway.
The expedition builds on previous research conducted within the MARHAB and SAMSKAG projects. The aim is to better understand how marine habitats are connected, how species move between different areas, and what effects marine protected areas actually have. By collecting new data from deeper and less studied environments, SCANDSKAGEX26 will complement this work and strengthen the scientific basis for future marine management.
Advanced technology enables new types of studies
The expedition places high demands on both vessel and equipment. Svea’s combination of advanced acoustic systems and the capability to operate underwater cameras and ROVs makes it possible to study environments far below the surface with high precision.
“Svea is built for this type of expedition. We can combine detailed seabed mapping with biological sampling and visual methods, giving us a much more comprehensive picture of marine ecosystems,” says Mattias Sköld, researcher at SLU and scientific coordinator at the Ship Management Unit.
Selected through international call
AQUARIUS is a collaborative programme that provides researchers with access to advanced marine research infrastructure across Europe. Through the programme, researchers can apply for ship time and technical resources. Applications are reviewed and prioritised by a scientific committee based on scientific quality, feasibility and societal relevance.
“Svea is one of 57 infrastructures included in AQUARIUS, and we are very pleased that this project has been awarded to us. The fact that the proposal was highly ranked in the scientific evaluation makes it even more rewarding to host the expedition. This type of international research project is exactly what we want to have on board,” says Lasse Thorell, Head of Ship Management Unit at SLU.
Contact
Even Moland, researcher, Institute of Marine Research, even.moland@hi.no
Mattias Sköld, researcher, SLU, mattias.skold@slu.se
Lasse Thorell, ship manager, SLU, lasse.thorell@slu.se