Monitoring of corals - Polyp Activity Monitoring System (PAMS)
NORCE
Video of corals taken with PAMS on the seabed in Sandsfjorden
Polyp Activity Monitoring System (PAMS)
Many corals are listed as endangered because they harbor threatened species. Therefore, they need to be monitored in the most gentle way possible. Anything that disturbs the seabed can be a threat to corals. These threats must be taken seriously, as corals contribute to marine biodiversity and have important ecosystem functions on the seabed.
Source:
Thierry Baussant
PAMS is being lowered down onto the seabed
Chief Scientist Thierry Baussant at NORCE has developed a new technology at the NORCE Marine Research Centre in Mekjarvik. This new technology can monitor corals without physically touching them. The method is based on camera technology and a methodology for observing coral welfare and condition in their natural environment in the sea. The invention has been named the Polyp Activity Monitoring System (PAMS).
Photo of corals taken with PAMS
The unique aspect of the invention is the system's ability to collect, display, and analyze images of coral polyps using time-lapse photography to measure their behavior.
A software based on machine learning analyzes each image to categorize coral polyps as either extended or retracted. This can be visualized on a graph showing polyp activity over time. The results can be interpreted according to the stress level the coral experiences in its surroundings.
This allows us to monitor the coral without physically touching it, which is important because many corals are on the endangered species red list. Currently, there are very few similar monitoring tools available.
Source:
Photo: Thomas Hovmøller Ris
Chief Scientist Thierry Baussant at NORCE has developed a system for coral monitoring. Here he stands in front of the invention itself.
An important tool for decision-makers and industry players
The new coral monitoring tool can be used for decision support and risk assessment related to industrial activities in deep water. Such a tool is relevant both for authorities regulating new areas and for industry players planning to establish new offshore industries in locations with fragile marine life. There is also hope that the new PAMS tool will contribute to better monitoring of the oceans, particularly the deep sea.
Source:
Photo: Thomas Hovmøller Ris
Minister of Energy Terje Aasland (left) visited the NORCE Marine Research Centre in Mekjarvik in August 2024. Here, Baussant explains the coral monitoring system, PAMS.
Read and watch press coverage (NRK) of PAMS
1) Read article
2) Watch TV report
3) Listen to radio interview with Thierry Baussant (starts at 02:00:36)
Project facts
Name
Monitoring of corals - Polyp Activity Monitoring System (PAMS)
Status
Duration
01.07.23 - 01.07.25
Location
Mekjarvik
