Technology

Rising to deep-sea challenges

To adopt appropriate tools (technologies), procedures and strategies is critical for the success / failure of a research expedition.

Research vessels from several nations have been committed to MAR-ECO, equipped with the latest generation of modern technology. A core effort in the project is a two-month international cruise on Norway’s newest research vessel, the RV “G.O.Sars”, in 2004.

The project is collaborating with industry partners to develop and test new technologies. Kongsberg SIMRAD is providing major in-kind support, including the development of specialised moored instrument packages.

Video documentation of deep-sea and fragile marine life forms is of critical importance. MAR-ECO will use Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) capable of operating at depth to observe, film, and sample organisms in the water columns and near the bottom.

A range of towed and lowered instruments and sampling devices will be used to observe and collect biological material, including also traditional fishing gears such as trawls, longlines and traps adapted for deep-sea use.

Longlining - a complementary technology

• Is longlining a potential technology for scientific research?
• Might it be the ultimate gear for precise targeting of deep-water species?

Science can benefit from commercial technologies. The latest in longline technology is more selective than MAR-ECO is co-operating with the Norwegian Fisheries industry and authorities to engage the services of professional longliners to work in parallel with research cruises.