Category: OD Nature

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Production of more sensors and connection to the internet

Thursday October 10th 2019

Reporter: Wilfried Sintonji

Photos: Katrijn Baetens et Wilfried Sintonji

Today the students working on this project have assembled and configured their sensors independently. They also tested other types of containers made of local materials.

The new container type indeed was waterproof
The students working together to get the configuration of their sensor right.

Today we finally managed to attach the module system to our sensor, unfortunately we did not arrive to make it reliable enough to attach it to the operational system.

The first succesfull messages sent by the sensor

We ended the day by recollecting the second testtype we deposited at the port yesterday.

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Adding a shock absorber to the system

Tuesday the 8th of October 2019

Reporter: Médard Honfo

Pictures: Katrijn Baetens

Today we kept improving the system, we noticed the data gaps originated from small shocks that the batterie containers were not able to absorb, hence we searched for different methods to add a shock absorber to the system. The pictures show some of the ideas we had, in the end we kept it simple and just added some padding to the box. In the evening we put the box back to the port for a second test.

Investigating different methods for a shock absorber

 

 

 

 

 

 

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First data gave insights in how to improve the sensor

Monday 7th of October 2019

Report and figure: Sylvain Amoussou

Pictures: www.lastminuteengineers.com

We analyzed the data of the first prototype. The prototype has been activated at 5 pm on Friday, October 2019 as Wilfried described in the last report.
The figure shows the temperature measured by the prototype from 5 pm local time on Friday. The figure1 (a) shows that the temperature is almost constant from 5 pm to around 7 pm, the temperature decreases and oscillates overnight. The figure 1 (b) show the temperature from 12 am to 8am UTM time. The temperature still oscillated from 12 am to 5 am UTM. But after that, the temperature is almost constan, the oscillations started  when the sun went down and stopped when it went under.

Data gathered with the prototype during 3 October (a) and 4 October (b)at the port of Cotonou.

Today we also further improved our model:

  • The prototype has stopped for during the night, luckily it started back independently.
  • We verified the voltage on the batteries. We noticed that the remaining voltage was 6,28 V which is half of the 12V of the fully charged battery pack. We still need to further investigate if this is acceptable.
  • In the future we would like to use a gsm module in stead of a gps module, this will allow to transfer data without having to open the box. We found a solution to charge the lithion/ion battery that charges this module.
Electronic scheme from https://lastminuteengineers.com, a very helpfull site for developing arduino projects
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Production of more sensors and retrieval of thermometer at the port of Cotonou

Friday the 4th of October 2019,

Today we prepared the composition of a different type of sensor containing a GSM system in stead of a GPS. We collected the thermometer we left at the port yesterday, the thermometer was still switched on, a promising sign. On monday we will retrieve and analyse the data inside.

Reporter: Médard Honfo
Pictures: Katrijn Baetens

In order to reach the goal of today (composing a new sensor) different chores had to be executed:
Buying SIM cards

Buying SIM cards with a good formula, not so easy as it seems

We discussed several options for new thermometer containers and went of to the market in search of the ultimate box.

Making sure the boxes are suitable for our sensor system

Trying to find battery chargers.

Négotiations at the market for finding good chargers

Collecting the thermometer at the port of Cotonou, the light was still on, so at least the batteries were still working. After the weekend we will analyze and evaluate what we have done so far. We keep you posted.

After 24 hours the thermometer was still switched on

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Testing the prototype in the waters of the port of Cotonou.

03/10/2019 at “Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Benin” (IRHOB)

Reporter: Wilfried Sintondji
Pictures: Wilfried Sintondji and Katrijn Baetens

The first session started at 9:00 in the morning in the presence of Katrijn Baetens of RBINS, dr. Zacharie Sohou, the director of IRHOB, dr George Degbé et mr. Médard Honfo of IRHOB. There is also an important participation of students selected for this project: Mr Sylvain Amoussou and Mr  Wilfried Sintondji.

After an introduction to the project Katrijn Baetens présented all the parts and materials that are needed to develop the thermometers. During this occasion she used the prototype developed in Belgium to demonstrate how everything works. After this each student was trusted with a task to copy the prototype and get the hang of the system.  Some of the tasks needed are:

  • Constructing and testing if the box containing the electronics is waterproof

    The box remained waterproof during lab testing
  • Checking the voltage of the system
  • Test the wiring of the new thermometer system on a breadboard
  • Double check if the prototype is working

    The prototype works independently and the GPS receives a signal
  • Programming the thermometer with the desirable time parameters
The students working hard on their assigned tasks. Médard on the left is wiring the new thermometers, Sylvain in the middle is preparing a new waterproof box and Wilfried on the right is isolating the electronic wires.

At the end of the day we were able to test our first prototype in the waters of the port of Cotonou.

On our way to test the first prototype in the waters of the port of Cotonou
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Development of a Methodology to Acquire a Spatiotemporal Series of Physicochemical Parameters of the Coastal Marine Environment of Benin

IRHOB and RBINS developed a first prototype of an arduino based temperature  sensor that is waterproof. This is done in the framework of a CEBioS/BBI project. The cost of this model was 56 euro, which is 16 euro more than initially expected, this was mainly because of the inclusion of an expensive GPS module of 18 euro. The next step is to investigate where future  budget cuts can be made. It is difficult to compare the price of our prototype with market prices as a gps and storage of data on an SD card is included in this model. The coming weeks the prototype will be improved and tested in the field, we will keep you posted.

The overall objective of this Project is to foster long-term cooperation between IRHOB, the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) in Benin, and the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) on the development of a methodology to acquire reliable scientific data for rational management and the conservation of aquatic resources in Benin, using sound scientific, technical, and socioeconomic advice. BBI funding enables cooperation in manufacturing Arduino sensors in order to measure physicochemical water quality parameters, such as temperature, salinity, acidity and dissolved oxygen, of the marine and lacustrine environment around Cotonou in Benin. This data collection will constitute the first step towards constructing habitat suitability maps.

The project is mainly sponsored by the Bio-Bridge initiative and co-sponsored by the CEBioS programme of RBINS.

The concept of the methodology is explained in this short movie:

First prototype of an arduino based temperature that is waterproof. Cost of this model is 56 euro.

Text and pictures: Katrijn Baetens, Zacharie Sohou

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Transport of organisms by ballast water: are Belgian and Dutch waters part of a Same Risk Area?

WaterBallast_FinalReport_20.12.2018

Ballast water is used to improve the draught, stability and strength of seagoing vessels when these are not (fully) loaded. The water is discharged elsewhere when new cargo comes on board. In this way, approximately 10 billion tonnes of ballast water are transported all over the world every year. Unfortunately, also a lot of marine organisms get transported in this way, some of which develop into invasive alien species in the new places where they end up. This makes treatment of ballast water necessary, but perhaps this does not make sense everywhere and ‘Same Risk Areas’ can be defined in which species are transported via natural currents anyhow?

In February 2004, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted by consensus the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM). The BWM requires all ships to implement a ballast water management plan, keep a ballast water record book and carry out ballast water management procedures according to a given standard. Parties of the convention are given the option to take additional measures based on criteria set out in the convention and IMO guidelines. The BWM entered into force on 8 September 2017. In 2024, all ships that sail in international waters should comply with the regulations and have a ballast water management system.

Same Risk Areas

In order to anticipate on this future situation, governments around the world have started analyses to determine the viability of so‐called Same Risk Areas (SRA). SRAs are exemption areas within the ballast water management convention in which it is not necessary to treat the ballast water, that can be loaded and unloaded anywhere within the SRA. Dutch and Belgian Ministries have taken the initiative to analyse the viability of an SRA in their waters. RBINS/ODNature and GIMARIS performed the research focusing on Zeebrugge, Antwerp, Vlissingen and Rotterdam. The role of the Eastern Scheldt as a hub for connectivity in the SRA is also investigated. The inclusion of London, Hull and Amsterdam in the SRA was briefly considered. An economic study in parallel with this ecological assessment was executed as well. Economic considerations were investigated in a parallel study.

The followed approach was two‐fold: available biological data on the occurrences of alien species within the region of the SRA were collected and analysed, and the connectivity between the ports was tested by verifying that all the water bodies of the ports connected to the seaside in the SRA are connected through natural water circulation, which would allow organisms to disperse by water currents. This was done by means of numerical mathematical models.

Summary of the results per port or zone

Zeebrugge‐Vlissingen

The biological sampling showed that all recorded alien species have probably been dispersed to all the suitable habitats in this region.  This is confirmed by the modelling study and the expert panel.

Rotterdam‐Scheldt zone  (Scheldt Estuary containing the Eastern Scheldt, Vlissingen and Antwerp)

Some hydroids (medusa stages) and dinoflagellates are found in Rotterdam, but not in the Scheldt zone. Differences in species occurrences between these two areas may be due to differences in salinities (lower salinities in some parts of the port of Rotterdam), and the timing of the surveys done. The modelling study shows connectivity but only when species are able to show specific behaviour. Species are able to travel faster from the Scheldt zone to Rotterdam than the other way around.

Antwerp‐Scheldt zone

Some alien species that are recorded in Antwerp are not recorded in the Scheldt zone and vice versa. Differences in species occurrences between these two areas may be due to different environmental conditions.  The model shows a strong, but unilateral connection from Antwerp to the Scheldt zone. Here the strength of the connection also depends on the species behaviour.

Antwerp‐Rotterdam

The oceanographic results show a weak connection between the two ports. The impact of behavior and season on dispersal is very important. The river system connecting Antwerp and Rotterdam is not taken into account, in this study. The fresh and brackish water species that could be connected through this system, are not included in this study.

A case study on the variable and invasive Ruditapes philippinarum showed that the model predictions should be further interpreted by means of biological information when available. (no copyright)

In conclusion, this study shows that the Scheldt zone (without Antwerp) can be considered a Same Risk Area. Whether this SRA can be extended to Rotterdam and Antwerp is less clear. Further investigation should clarify how an SRA between Belgium and the Netherlands can be finetuned.

 

Baetens K., Gittenberger A., Barbut L., Lacroix G. (2018). Assessment of the ecological implications when installing an SRA between Belgium and the Netherlands. Final project report. Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. Operational Directorate Natural Environment, Ecosystem Modelling. 71 pp. WaterBallast_FinalReport_20.12.2018

This research was financed by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management under the contract 31136193 and by the Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport under the contract MA20180257 (including the participation of the Flemish government). We would like to thank Steven Degraer (RBINS), Francis Kerckhof (RBINS), Flemming Hansen (DTU Aqua, DK) and Johan van der Molen (NIOZ, NL) who reviewed this work and suggested useful comments.

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New method allows processing of 4 decades of satellite data

Over the past four decades, different satellites have been circling Earth whilst collecting numerous data. However, technology evolved during this time, creating the need for a unified processing method. A newly developed algorithm and software now make it possible to consistently process all these data and obtain unified image series for parameters such as water reflectance and turbidity.

Since the launch of Landsat 5 in 1984 the earth’s landmass and coastal zones have been imaged every 16 days. Landsat 5 provided regular imagery for over 25 years and was disabled fully in 2013. Its mission is being continued by Landsat 7 (launched in 1999) and Landsat 8 (2013). The Landsat missions are complemented by two Sentinel-2 missions, launched in 2015 (S2A) and 2017 (S2B) which image the earth every 5 days. The data from the Landsat missions has been open access since 2008, and those of Sentinel-2 since their launch. Combining the data streams allows the study of long time series, but due to differences in sensor design and image formats of these satellites, it was difficult to align these data over time. More precisely, an atmospheric correction algorithm and processing software for the automated and consistent processing of these images was needed.

Unified processing

In a recent publication in the journal ‘Remote Sensing of Environment’, Quinten Vanhellemont of the Remote Sensing team (REMSEM) of our institute, describes a method for unified processing of these data in order to retrieve water reflectance and derived parameters, such as water turbidity. These products have been validated with a long time series of in situ measurements from around the globe (Figure 1). This method has been the default in the ACOLITE software since April 2018 that can process imagery from Sentinel-2A/B and Landsat 5/7/8. ACOLITE was also developed by Quinten at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.

Figure 1: Time series of water turbidity from in situ measurements (solid line) and derived from satellite imagery for a location in the southern North Sea. A good correspondence is found through the 20 year spanning time-series.

Images of long time series

The unified processing of data collected by the different satellites provides standardized, easily interpretable (and also beautiful) data series and images series. In the Belgian coastal zone, we can for example observe the impact of the extension of the ports of Zeebrugge and Oostende on the sedimentation on both sides of the port walls. The image series in Figure 2 show an accumulation of sand on the beaches to the east and west of the extended ports. Water turbidity is also retrieved and is in the Belgian coastal zone mainly dominated by resuspension of bottom material in superimposed cycles: an annual cycle of winter-high, summer-low turbidity and cycles of ebb-flood and neap-spring tidal resuspension.

Figure 2a: Extension of the port walls and inland docks of the port of Zeebrugge, and accumulation of sand on the beaches east and west of the port walls (1980s-2010s)
Figure 2b: Port of Oostende (1980s-2010s)

Vanhellemont, Quinten. “Adaptation of the dark spectrum fitting atmospheric correction for aquatic applications of the Landsat and Sentinel-2 archives.” Remote Sensing of Environment 225 (2019): 175-192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2019.03.010

 

ACOLITE processor https://odnature.naturalsciences.be/remsem/software-and-data/acolite

ACOLITE forum https://odnature.naturalsciences.be/remsem/acolite-forum/

ACOLITE source code https://github.com/acolite/acolite

 

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EUROFLEETS+ Ship-time and marine Equipment Application (SEA-Programme) Call “OCEANS”

Eurofleets+ is an Alliance of European marine research infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the research and industrial communities.

General information

The Eurofleets+ project facilitates open access to an integrated and advanced research vessel fleet, designed to meet the evolving and challenging needs of the user community. European and international researchers from academia and industry are able to apply for several access programmes, through a single-entry system. Eurofleets+ prioritises support for research on sustainable, clean and healthy oceans, linking with existing ocean observation infrastructures, and supports innovation through working closely with industry.

Eurofleets+ accessible Research Vessels: The project enables access to a unique fleet of 27 state-of-the-art research vessels (13 Global/Ocean and 14 Regional) from European and international partners. Through competitive calls, Eurofleets+ provides a wide geographic coverage, with access to the Mediterranean and Black Seas, the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, the North Atlantic (incl. Greenland and Norwegian seas), and the Southern Pacific Ocean and Ross Sea.

Eurofleets+ accessible embarked equipment: Researchers have access to cutting edge equipment, which includes 7 ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) and 5 AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles). A unique portable telepresence system enables remote access by researchers and diverse end users including the public; a first for Europe.

Eurofleets+ programmes

Three access programmes are foreseen to be launched in Eurofleets+:

1) Ship-time and Marine Equipment Application (SEA programme) for access to the vessels and marine equipment through a full ship-time application, for which there will be a minimum of two calls, one with “ocean“ and one with “regional“ vessels. The SEA call for Ocean vessels and equipment has opened on the 26th of June and remains open until 27th of September 2019. More details on this call can be found below. The SEA call for Regional vessels will be opened in fall 2019 and will also remain open for three months. Research vessels and marine equipment not offered or requested in the first call (Oceans), or with spare capacities will be offered in the second, Regional call.

2) Co-PI programme specifically aimed at early career researchers to implement their own research together with experienced scientists in Eurofleets+ scheduled cruises. The Co-PI programme is anticipated to be open to applications from November 2019 onwards, and remain open continuously to the beginning of 2022.

3) Remote Transnational Access (RTA programme) to provide researchers with remote access to samples or data from a Eurofleets+ fleet vessel. Remote access will allow smaller projects, sample or data needs, to be addressed, when this can be accomplished with one day of ship time. RTA programme applications will be submitted in a continuous running call that is also anticipated to be open to applications from November 2019 to the beginning of 2022.

Notes: Non European applicants are also elegible for funding. Industry partners, early career researchers and female researchers are encouraged to apply.

EurofleetsPlus funds cover use of the vessels, crew, fuel and other standard operating costs, as well as travel expenses for the embarked team and transport of equipment and samples.

SEA-Programme Call “OCEANS”

The SEA Programme offers fully funded transnational access to 14 Research Vessels (some with ice class) and 9 pieces of Marine Equipment to carry out ship-based research activities within any field of marine science.

Funding conditions, application guidelines and full eligibility criteria.

This call will remain open for the submission of proposals until Friday 27th of September 2019.

Research vessels:

North Atlantic Ocean

RV Arni Freidrickson (HAFRA, Iceland)

RV Celtic Explorer (MI, Ireland)

RV DANA (DTU, Denmark)

RV Magnus Heinason (HAVST, Faroe Islands)

RV Mar Portugal (IPMA, Portugal)

Arctic Ocean

RV Sanna (GRONLANDS, Greenland)

RV G.O. SARS (HAVFO, Norway)

Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean

RV Alliance (NATO-CMRE, Italy)

RV Pelagia (NIOZ, The Netherlands)

RV Ramon Margalef (IEO, Spain)

RV Thalassa (IFREMER, France)

North-West/West Atlantic

RV Coriolis II (UQAR, Canada)

RV Atlantic Explorer (BIOS, Bermuda)

Pacific Ocean

RV Tangaroa (NIWA, New Zealand)

Marine Equipment:

AUV Hugin (UGOT, Sweden)

AUV Hugin (FFI, Norway)

ROV Ægir 6000 (UiB, Norway)

HROV Ariane (Ifremer, France)

ROV Genesis (VLIZ, Belgium)

ROV Holland1 (MI, Ireland)

ROV LUSO (IPMA, Portugal)

ROV Marum Squid (UB, Germany)

ROV Ocean Modules V8 offshore (UGOT, Sweden)

VSAT Satellite System (Telepresence Unit) (GFOE, United States of America)

Detailed descriptions of the Research Vessels and Marine Equipment offered by EUROFLEETS+.

Contact: eurofleetsplus@awi.de