P000174, Scientific survey methods – onboard R/V Svea, 2026, 1.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

Third cycle

Subject

Biology

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

1. The student should be able to describe key methods that are today used in marine ecosystem research and environmental assessment.

2. The student shall be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge in one out of two following specific methods for marine ecosystems studies: (1) Collection and analysis of active hydroacoustic (echosounder) data, or (2) Collection and analysis of underwater image data for qualitative and quantitative assessment of biodiversity.

3. The student should show an ability to critically examine and discuss pros and cons of specific methods with regards to data quality, environmental impact, feasibility and cost effectiveness.

4. The student should be able to work independently with a specific data collection and data analysis task, and present the results orally.

Content

Day 1 (Monday). At SLU Aqua Havsfiskelaboratoriet, Lysekil

1. Welcome, presentation of participants

2. The course starts the first day with introducing lectures on the different themes led by the course leaders, taking place as a physical meeting at SLU-Aqua (Lysekil), which entails:

a. Introduction to the course

c. Ground rules for seminars set by the students, together with the course leaders.

d. Introduction to research and facilities at SLU Aqua

f. Lecture 1. Hydroacoustics for quantitative fish stock assessment and ecosystem components (fish and zooplankton)

g. Lecture 2. Remote video for monitoring of benthic fauna

h. The students divides into three groups and prepares for the excursion, set-up of protocols and assignment of tasks

4. Afternoon. Dinner at R/V Svea followed by presentation with crew, and familisation (security) to R/V Svea.

Day 2 (Tuesday). Onboard R/V Svea.

Expedition day 1

1. Departure R/V Svea at 06:00 with destination Bratten (offshore Natura 2000 area)
2. Data collection and methods demonstration in the Bratten area.
3. Hydroacoustics using EK80; broadband echosounder.
4. Pelagic trawling for groundtruthing
5. Sampling of zooplankton

Day 3 (Wednesday). Onboard R/V Svea.

Expedition day 2. Demonstration and data collection of:

1. Videosurveys in trawled and protected areas.
2. Deployment of baited remote underwater video (BRUV).
3. Video transects using the UW-TV

Day 4 (Thursday). Onboard R/V Svea.

1. Data analysis, work on written reports and oral presentations.
2. Hand in of written report (deadline 19:00)

Day 5 (Friday). At SLU Aqua Havsfiskelaboratoriet, Lysekil

1. Presentations of individual projects (three groups)
2. Course evaluation
3. End after lunch

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Examination will be based on: 1\. Active participation in all onboard demonstrations, data exercises, scoping of projects, actual field work (sampling) 2\. Oral and written presentation of project reports (final day) 3\. Grades: Pass/ Not pass (G/U)

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Aquatic Resources

Supplementary information

Other Information

Course organized for PhD and MSc students, run through the Ecology Research School at by the Dept. of Aquatic Resources, as a part of the Aquarius Floating University project

Reading

Simmonds, John, and David N. MacLennan. Fisheries acoustics: theory and practice. John Wiley & Sons, 2008. In addition, scientific papers describing methodological applications.