WP5 - Data exploitation for better regional understanding

WP5 Description

WP5 focuses on the analysis and modeling of high-resolution biological data collected by the instruments in WP3, integrated with physical, chemical, and biogeochemical observations. The goal is to generate meaningful marine data products that enhance understanding of plankton dynamics at meso- and submesoscale, support ecosystem assessment, and inform sustainable management within regional DTOs.

Data exploitation is tailored to the three pilot regions: in the Balearic Sea, plankton distributions will be analysed alongside hydrodynamic models to assess the effects of ocean structures on biodiversity, carbon export, and trophic interactions; in the Belgian North Sea, continuous plankton monitoring will support MSFD reporting through the calculation of OSPAR Pelagic Habitat indicators; in the Baltic Sea, particle and plankton data will be used to calculate ecological indicators, forecast trophic status, and support fisheries and environmental management decisions.

Key tasks

• North Sea biological indicators: Pilot demonstration of UVP6, UVP6m, and CPICS sensors for calculating Pelagic Habitat indicators and integrating automated plankton imaging into MSFD monitoring workflows (VLIZ).

• Balearic Sea physical-biological interactions: Analyse plankton distribution and size composition in relation to hydrodynamic and biogeochemical features, assessing their impact on biodiversity hotspots and carbon export (SOCIB, SU).

• Baltic Sea ecological indicators: Compute Pelagic Habitat and Copepod Mean Size and Total Abundance indicators, trophic status, and potential fisheries yield, integrating data with Boknis Eck time series and supporting DTO-based forecasting (GEOMAR).

WP5 ensures that high-resolution imaging data are translated into actionable ecological insights, supporting regional DTOs, ecosystem management, and policy-relevant applications.