Enabling technology for mapping and monitoring of extreme environments is essential for modern future management and sustainable utilization of the Barents Sea. Arctic conditions require a high degree of autonomy and integrated observation systems to reduce operation time and weather dependency, and to enable measurements in all seasons. 

The objective of the work package ‘Technology and method development’ is to study and develop reliable autonomous platforms for marine environmental studies in ice-covered waters.

The main tasks are to

1. Identify and implement reliable and robust sensor carrying platforms for autonomous detection of important variables in the Barents Sea, and develop area-tailored methodologies for integrated environmental monitoring using SAR and optical satellite sensors.
2. Combine technological concepts with scientific a priori understanding of the processes in the Barents Sea to develop methods and algorithms to measure and analyze biogeochemical physical processes and relate data, including structure and functionality of plankton (primary productivity measurements), biologically mediated carbon uptake and sequestration, and the use of acoustics and optics to estimate key ecosystem parameters. Developing automated detection systems of biogeochemistry and ecosystem structure and functions to provide better measurements and observation in open water and under ice, using unmanned vehicles underwater, on the surface and in the air.
3. Study and develop systems for autonomous detection of couplings between forcing, the climate, and ecosystems, and provide an integrated process and observation strategy for managing and reducing operational risks related to the use of the autonomous sensor platforms