Remote biosensor technology measuring valve gap and shell growth of bivalves for detecting accidental discharges in the Norwegian Arctic

The main goal of the project will be to transfer and optimize for the Arctic a remote biosensor technology developed in France to permanently record an index of water quality (based on a continuous bivalve-activity recording) and, eventually, rapidly dete ct industrial accidental discharges in the Norwegian Arctic. This biosensor, called a ?valvometer? consists in measuring the valve gap and the growth of selected clams remotely. The signal (one data per 0.1s out of 16 animals) is transferred via cell phon e network and internet to a working station where the data are treated and reported on real time and presented on a web page. Statistical models and easy reading graphics? allow to treat the information to provide the clients (industry, public, authoritie s) an online understanding on the potential impact of its activities on the environment. The consortium is composed of Akvaplan-niva, coordinator of this activity, a governmental laboratory (Unité Mixte de Recherche: CNRS & Bordeaux University) which has developed the biosensor, UNIS and NP for the field work logistical support and physical sensors expertise in the Arctic, Bates college for clam growth. In this project of one year, we propose the deployment of the valvometer at an Arctic location (Ny Ales und) and the measurement of natural patterns of valve movement and growth years to demonstrate that the technology can be used throughout the winter during sea ice conditions. The deliverable will be 1) a mature product for remote-biomonitoring in the Arc tic that can later be deployed in Kongsfjorden; 2) A first long term baseline Arctic data set; 3) A Norwegian-Franco-American group with strong expertise for an Arctic bivalve biosensor; 4) an Arctic web site open to public and/or only to the client Objec tives 5) use technology to reduce footprint when studying marine bivalve 6) to provide input into SIOS