UUNIOZ_Smile, you're on camera

Developing automated image analysis to examine an overlooked link in the North Sea

Zooplankton has a key role in marine ecosystems by transferring energy and nutrients from autotrophs to organisms higher up the food web. However, zooplankton is not monitored in the Dutch North Sea, which is a major omission for ecosystem-based policies. This interdisciplinary project combines in situ imaging and machine learning to build an automated observation-monitoring platform for zooplankton. Images and net samples will be collected in the accessible Oosterschelde estuary and various North Sea regions to develop the machine-learning pipeline. Finally, the methodology will be applied during monitoring cruises of Rijkswaterstaat to provide data for future ecosystem studies.

Joint research

This project is part of the joint research of Utrecht University and the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research concerning the functioning of (coastal) seas and oceans.  Pairs of scienists will carry out interdisciplinary research into pressing scientific and societal issues that tie in with the strategic themes of both organisations. In addition to the Faculties of Science and Geosciences, also the Faculties of Law, Economics and Governance, and Veterinary Medicine of the UU are involved. The projects are part of the agreement to intensify the collaboration UU-NIOZ (2016-2025), funded by UU.

Project information

Research leaders 
Dr. Ir. Dick van Oevelen (NIOZ)
Prof. Dr. Ir. Frank van der Stappen (Utrecht University)

Theme 
Sustainable functioning of Coastal and Shelf Seas
Ocean of Discovery

UU-NIOZ project page
For more information on this project and other UU-NIOZ projects, visit the joint UU-NIOZ project page 

Meet the team
Below you find the NIOZ employee(s) working in this team. For a complete overview including Utrecht University team members visit the joint UU-NIOZ project page