Acoustic technologies
Acoustic telemetry: Scientists tag individual marine animals with acoustic transmitters that emit unique high-frequency pulses. An array of underwater receivers detects these pulses, allowing researchers to track the movements of species like sharks, rays, and fish, especially those that do not frequently surface.
Passive acoustic monitoring: Hydrophones are deployed to listen to the ocean's soundscape and record the vocalizations of marine mammals, fish, and other sound-producing organisms. This helps researchers monitor species over long periods, study behavior, and assess the impact of human-made noise pollution.
Active acoustics (sonar): By sending out sound waves and analyzing their echoes, scientists can create detailed maps of the seafloor (multibeam sonar) and estimate the density and location of fish schools or plankton swarms.
Genomic and molecular technologies
Environmental DNA (eDNA): As marine organisms move through the water, they shed genetic material in the form of scales, mucus, and feces. By collecting and filtering water samples, marine biologists can analyze eDNA to detect species present in an area without direct observation or capture. This non-invasive method is particularly useful for detecting rare, elusive, or endangered species.
Molecular sequencing: Modern sequencing techniques allow scientists to analyze the genetic makeup of marine organisms. This helps identify new species, understand evolutionary relationships, and study the physiological adaptations of creatures living in extreme environments.
Autonomous and long-term monitoring systems
Ocean gliders and floats: These autonomous vehicles collect data on temperature, salinity, and currents over vast distances for long periods without human intervention. For example, profiling floats collect vertical profiles of ocean conditions, which helps refine weather forecasts.
Ocean observatories: These fixed or moored platforms are equipped with sensors that provide long-term power and communication links. They collect real-time data on a wide range of oceanographic properties, providing a continuous record of environmental conditions.
Imaging and analysis systems
Advanced imaging: High-resolution cameras, underwater microscopes, and 3D reconstruction techniques allow scientists to capture detailed images of marine life. This is crucial for studying fragile organisms like plankton and deep-sea creatures, with some systems able to produce a detailed "cybertype" of a specimen in minutes.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision: AI is used to analyze the massive amounts of data and imagery collected by autonomous vehicles and other sensors. Machine learning algorithms can automatically identify and count marine species in footage, track individual animals, and monitor habitat health.