How do we observe life beneath the ocean surface?
For decades, marine biodiversity monitoring has relied on a combination of field surveys, sampling campaigns and specialised scientific equipment. While these approaches remain essential, the growing need for biodiversity data is driving interest in new technologies that can collect more information, across larger areas, and over longer periods of time.
As pressures on marine ecosystems continue to grow, the need for reliable biodiversity data has never been greater. From identifying marine protected areas and supporting restoration efforts to informing climate and environmental policies, understanding what is happening beneath the surface starts with effective observation.
This is the focus of the first resource in MARCO-BOLO’s Knowledge Transfer Series: Advancing Integrated Marine & Coastal Biodiversity Observations for the European Ocean Pact.
Rather than relying on a single technology, the resource explores how different observing tools can work together to provide a more complete picture of marine biodiversity.
Moving beyond single-sensor approaches
Some technologies are excellent at recording underwater sounds. Others are designed to capture imagery, collect environmental DNA (eDNA), measure environmental conditions, or monitor species movements. Each provides a different piece of the puzzle.
MARCO-BOLO explored how these technologies can be combined through integrated observing approaches, allowing researchers to collect multiple types of information simultaneously and create a more holistic understanding of marine ecosystems.
The result is not simply more data, but better biodiversity observations.
Testing New Technologies in Real Conditions
To better understand the opportunities and limitations of different technologies, MARCO-BOLO partners conducted field trials using a range of innovative sensors and platforms.
A joint research campaign carried out at the Grafton Site in the North Sea provided the opportunity to test multiple sensing technologies under real-world conditions. These trials assessed how different systems performed, where they complemented one another, and how they could contribute to future marine biodiversity monitoring efforts.
Why does this matter?
Reliable biodiversity data are essential for conservation planning, ecosystem restoration, environmental management and evidence-based policymaking. They also help scientists understand how marine ecosystems are responding to environmental change.
As demand for biodiversity information continues to grow, integrated observing systems can provide richer datasets and a more complete picture of marine life, supporting better-informed decisions for Europe’s seas and coasts.
Explore the Resource
To accompany this Knowledge Transfer Asset, MARCO-BOLO has also made available a detailed sensor specification sheet covering many of the technologies and platforms tested during the project field trials. Together, the resource and the specification sheet introduce the innovative approaches being explored to support the future of marine biodiversity monitoring in Europe.
Explore the full resource and sensor specification sheet here: https://marcobolo-project.eu/knowledge-transfer-series/