Toward a Global Ocean Ecosystem Mid-Trophic Automatic Acoustic Sampler (MAAS)

The observation of biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems has traditionally been based on ship-based platforms. The obvious consequence is that the measured properties have been dramatically undersampled. Recent technological advances in miniature, low power biogeochemical sensors and autonomous platforms open remarkable perspectives for observing the "biological" ocean, notably at critical spatio-temporal scales which have been out of reach until present. The availability of this new observation technology thus makes it possible to envision the development of a globally integrated observation system that would serve both scientific as well as operational needs. This in situ system should be fully designed and implemented in tight synergy with two other essential elements of an ocean observation system, first satellite ocean color radiometry and second advanced numerical models of biogeochemical cycles and ecosystems. This paper gives guidelines and recommendations for the design of such system. The core biological and biogeochemical variables to be implemented are first reviewed, trying also to identify those for which the observational demand is high although the technology is not yet mature. A review of the five platforms now available (gliders, floats, animals with sensors, mooring at eulerian site and ships) allows their specific strengths with regards to biological and biogeochemical observations to be identified as well as to point out the community plans with respect to ongoing implementation. The critical issue of data management is addressed, acknowledging that the availability of

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“…MacLennan and Simmons, 2005), and is well suited to observe the mid-trophic levels (Handegard et al, 2010). Presently applied systems (e.g.…”

Section: Mid-trophic Automatic Acoustic Sampler For Meso-zooplancton mentioning

confidence: 99%

Guidelines Towards an Integrated Ocean Observation System for Ecosystems and Biogeochemical Cycles

Claustre¹,

Antoine²,

Boehme³

et al. 2010

Proceedings of OceanObs'09: Sustained Ocean Observations and Information for Society

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“…, 2010b), more information about prey patchiness and prey composition in both epipelagic and mesopelagic layers are still needed to complete our interpretation. Assimilation of acoustic data in this model is another ongoing promising approach to improve the model parameterization (Handegard et al. , 2010).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A study on the variability of albacore (Thunnus alalunga) longline catch rates in the southwest Pacific Ocean

Briand¹,

Molony

Lehodey

2011

Fisheries Oceanography

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Relationships between albacore tuna (Thunnus alalunga) longline catch per unit effort (CPUE) and environmental variables from model outputs in New Caledonia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) were examined through generalized linear models at a 1°s patial resolution and 10-day temporal resolution. At a regional (EEZ) scale, the study demonstrated that a large part of albacore CPUE variability can be explained by seasonal, interannual and spatial variation of the habitat. Results of the generalized linear models indicated that catch rates are higher than average in the northwestern part of the EEZ at the beginning of the year (January) and during the second half of the year (July-December). In the northwestern region of the EEZ, high CPUEs are associated with waters <20.5°in the intermediate layer and with moderate values of primary production. Longline CPUE also appeared to be dependent on prey densities, as predicted from a micronekton model. Albacore CPUE was highest at moderate densities of prey in the epipelagic layer during the night and for relatively low prey densities in the mesopelagic layer during the day. We also demonstrated that the highest CPUEs were recorded from 1986 to 1998, which corresponds to a period with frequent El Niño events.

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“…Development of multi-frequency systems to obtain backscattered energy from different sizes of organisms/particles has been rapid in the last decade, partially enabled by the use of assimilating models of multiple levels of the ocean ecosystem [18].…”

Section: Remote Sensing -From Space and With Acousticsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Plans to extend the survey with a similar level of coverage to all oceans represent the best method to acquire broad coverage of zooplankton abundance and species information over the next decade [30]. Optical and acoustical plankton recorders [7] and [18] should also be added to underway ship surveys, especially from ships of opportunity.…”

Section: A Strategy For the Next Decadementioning

confidence: 99%

Observing Planktonic Ecosystems: Needs, Capabilities, and a Strategy for the Next Decade

Denman¹,

Malone²,

Sathyendranath³

et al. 2010

Proceedings of OceanObs'09: Sustained Ocean Observations and Information for Society

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We review the current state of our capabilities for the systematic sustained observation of ocean ecosystems, concentrating primarily on planktonic ecosystems. First, we describe the structure of ocean ecosystemsfrom the nutrients that support primary production, up through the plankton, and then through the various predators, from juvenile finfish to whales, sea lions and humans. We try to draw a picture of the ocean ecosystem (and related biogeochemical cycles) as complex, dynamic systems embedded in the equally complex and dynamic system represented by physical ocean processes. We describe the properties of ecosystems that biologists need to observe and understand, if they are to forecast the future behaviour of ocean ecosystems. Second, we identify the major users and uses for sustained observations of marine ecosystems. Third, we summarize how ocean ecosystems are observed from ships, trying to get across the need to describe the 'texture' as well as the dynamics of ocean ecosystems. Fourth, we review and present examples of the main components of emerging ecosystem observing systems. Finally, we discuss the gaps in existing capabilities and suggest a strategy to guide the development of sustained observations of planktonic ecosystems over the next decade.

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Toward a Global Ocean Ecosystem Mid-Trophic Automatic Acoustic Sampler (MAAS)

Cited by 11 publications

References 20 publications

Guidelines Towards an Integrated Ocean Observation System for Ecosystems and Biogeochemical Cycles

Guidelines Towards an Integrated Ocean Observation System for Ecosystems and Biogeochemical Cycles

A study on the variability of albacore (Thunnus alalunga) longline catch rates in the southwest Pacific Ocean

Observing Planktonic Ecosystems: Needs, Capabilities, and a Strategy for the Next Decade

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