Research project S4P/25E/AQUASPECT (Research action S4P)
• Context
Plankton biodiversity monitoring in the Belgian Part of the North Sea (BPNS) is challenging because this area is highly dynamic, with pronounced temporal and spatial variability. Most monitoring programs rely on ship-based sampling with low spatiotemporal resolution (e.g., monthly), which limits the ability to characterize plankton communities accurately. As a result, capturing plankton dynamics at scales relevant for ecosystem-health assessments, management, and decision-making remains difficult.
The aim of AQUASPECT is to develop regional DTOs to understand plankton dynamics in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Balearic Sea by using in situ imaging sensors. A new plankton imaging sensor (the UVP6m) will be developed as part of AQUASPECT by Sorbonne University and Hydroptic. The UVP6m expands the observable size range of plankton monitoring by continuously counting particles from 10–1000 µm and capturing in situ images of microplankton from 100–1000 µm. The UVP6m will be deployed in the three study areas along with UVP6 sensors.
The imaging output and associated environmental data will be integrated into the EU Digital Twin and regional Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTOs). In addition, using this data, we will assess the potential of UVP6 and UVP6m observations to complement established methods for calculating OSPAR and HELCOM plankton diversity indicators used in Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) assessments. To achieve this, we will develop automated data flows to ensure seamless integration of the UVP6 data into the EU DTO, aiming to deliver tailored products for ecosystem managers and other stakeholders.
• General objectives and underlying research questions
1. Augment existing monitoring efforts with high temporal resolution sampling of plankton using imaging, in the eutrophic North Sea;
2. Develop automated dataflows for the taxonomic classification of plankton detected with the UVP6 and UVP6m;
3. Integrate datasets of Essential Ocean/Biodiversity Variables and concomitant environmental data into regional DTOs, as well as the European DTO;
4. Offer stakeholders relevant information on biodiversity and ecosystem state of the BPNS.
• Methodology
To meet AQUASPECT’s objectives, VLIZ will produce continuous measurements of plankton densities, community composition, and key environmental parameters (e.g., temperature, salinity and water velocity). This will be achieved by integrating the UVP6, UVP6m and additional sensors for environmental monitoring into a bottom mooring deployed in the BPNS. The collected images will be rapidly processed using AI-based classifiers and, together with their associated environmental data, will be integrated into regional DTOs. Subsequent work will assess the potential of UVP-derived data to support the development of MSFD plankton indicators.
• Potential impact
AQUASPECT outputs will promote collaboration, strengthen regional monitoring capacity, and support the broader scientific community. Testing the UVP6m prototype, we will contribute to the development of a sensor that provides unprecedented in situ, high-resolution biological and particle data, enabling its uptake by the international marine imagery community. The data resulting from AQUASPECT will enhance the understanding of the plankton and particle dynamics in the BPNS and provide new opportunities to meet MSFD monitoring requirements. AQUASPECT will improve rapid access to essential ocean and biodiversity variables; provide interactive plankton information; and deepen the understanding of particle dynamics at fine temporal scales. AQUASPECT addresses critical gaps in current marine monitoring by developing new methodologies and open-access tools that can serve as templates for future regional DTO initiatives.
• Expected final research results
AQUASPECT will deliver innovative technology focusing on currently missing in situ monitoring of plankton. This will enable high-resolution temporal data that are new for the BPNS, leading to multiple scientific outputs (e.g. international conferences and scientific publications). In the short and medium term, the DTO tools will support environmental stakeholders in making evidence-based decisions, made possible through the creation of operational data-processing pipelines that ensure rapid access to information via the DTOs. Ultimately, AQUASPECT will provide new capabilities for monitoring, assessing and informing key regional environmental stakeholders.
