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FORINFRA-Nasj.sats. forskn.infrastrukt

Lofoten-Vesterålen cabled observatory

Alternative title: Lofoten-Vesterålen kabelobservatorium

Awarded: NOK 82.0 mill.

Time series and real-time observations from the inner life of the ocean provide fundamental new insights into marine processes such as the behavioral dynamics of marine organisms, as well as variation and trends in physical and chemical properties. This information creates an understanding of the relationships between physical drivers and biological responses. These are key data for establishing models that update the status of ecosystems. The Lofoten-Vesterålen Sea Observatory (LoVe) uses commercial subsea technology to connect users and the public directly to the inner life of the sea. LoVe is evolving from primarily a cabled observatory to a hybrid solution that utilizes both cabled and autonomous observation platforms. Observe what is happening, when it happens at https://loveocean.no/. Sensor platforms are positioned in a line across dominant currents and common migration routes for fish. This provides users access to the flow dynamics in the ocean currents and details about the migration of important fish species; essential information for understanding the ecosystem. We can quantify the migration to and from the spawning grounds in Lofoten and connect this to the condition of the sea (temperature, salinity, and current). What drives plankton blooms and how does it affect fish recruitment? Images from the seabed give you access to everyday events on a coral reef; where you can see details about the polyps in the corals and how larger animals like crabs and fish use their habitat. Sonar provides insight into migration timing for key species like cod and herring. Underwater microphones provide a glimpse into an unknown world for most of us, how whales use sound to communicate and find food, and human-made noise that penetrates deep into the ocean. LoVe is the first cable observatory built as a cross-section through key processes in the ecosystem. It is a test system for this concept, combined with autonomous observation platforms, which are becoming an important part of the next generation of Norwegian marine monitoring. Real-time streaming of data strengthens marine modeling, which is a main tool for effective response to incidents like oil spills and other accidents that lead to pollution. It also provides a better basis for assessing human impacts, including the effects of resource harvesting and offshore energy extraction. Not least, this data stream will provide better opportunities to record any climate changes and understand their effects. It is expected that LoVe will be further developed into a standard for real-time observation systems for marine monitoring in Norwegian waters, also linked to new marine industries. LoVe contributes not only with new knowledge about ecosystems but also with new technology and new methods for making large amounts of ocean data accessible and analyzable.

LoVe originates from the Norwegian Ocean Observatory Network (NOON) and spurred by a Statoil/IMR initiative for a first node, financed by Statoil and deployed in Vesterålen in 2013. LoVe is a cabled infrastructure in an ecological, geological, oceanographic and economic hotspot that supports basic scientific research as well as responds to pressing societal and commercial challenges. The project aims at preparing the ground for a next generation infrastructure of a permanent interactive presence in the ocean, supporting sustainable monitoring and management of the marine environment. This includes understanding of ecosystems, marine resources, bio-geological and chemical processes, with emphasize on impact of global climate change. LoVe will also contribute to development of early warning systems for geo-hazards and will be a test bed for new technologies. The technology is based on Norwegian subsea expertise developed for the petroleum industry, secured by the industry partnership (NCE Subsea and Statoil ASA). LoVe has further 8 scientific partners covering within geology, chemistry, ecology, fisheries, oceanography, modeling and technology. In 2014 the Norwegian Fishermen's Association expanded the consortium, which is expected to become a melting pot of competence and generator of novel ideas due to the broadness and complementarity of the expertise. The infrastructure and data will be available to the research community, secured by cooperation with another established infrastructure project (NMDC). LoVe will support data and model prediction of the High North's physical, chemical, geological and biological environment including its fisheries resources and thus satisfy societal and political requirements set for the governance of marine assets of the High North. LoVe will serve as an example for development of Norway's next generation monitoring system. A strong international science and technology network will secure long term efficient development of LoVe.

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FORINFRA-Nasj.sats. forskn.infrastrukt

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