Autonomous monitoring system for marine invasive species
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | CHALMERS TEKNISKA HÖGSKOLA AKTIEBOLAG - Institutionen för Mekanik och Maritima Vetenskaper |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 399 201 |
| Project duration | April 2019 - March 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-Driven Innovation – Stage 1 initiation |
| Call | Challenge-Driven Innovation stage 1 initiation – 2019 |
Important results from the project
The project works to enable early detection of alien species by combining DNA technology and automation, where information rapidly is transferred to relevant agencies for desicionmaking. The goal is to develop a roadmap for autonomous monitoring of marine species in collaboration with management, industry and academia. The system performs targeted sampling of specific species selected dependent on situation (for example, disease-producing microorganisms, poisonous algae that may affect fish and shellfish, or marine growth with high cleaning costs for maritime industries).
Expected long term effects
Early detection of marine species can be used by several different actors, from authorities responsible for international and EU regulations to the maritime industry such as aquaculture and shipping / ports. A fast and effective information system will increase the potential for measures to prevent adverse effects (both in marine ecosystems and human health ) and reduce societal costs. The need for an early warning system is highlighted both in Sweden and other countries with high demand for a tailor-made product which is easy-to-handle, flexible and relatively inexpensive
Approach and implementation
Through a multidisciplinary collaboration where natural scientists (biologists and oceanographers) and technicians (with a focus on automation and work in marine environments), we can reach a highly requested and demand-driven product. We have focused work on developing a consortium that can create a prototype to perform preliminary analyzes. Authorities and industries with an interest in the product are included in discussions about development, selection of relevant target species to analyze and mapping relevant agencies that need and request the information.