Monitoring coral reefs

Coral reefs must be monitored

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 pose a threat to corals. Known threats to deep-sea corals must be taken seriously because corals contribute to marine biodiversity and have important ecosystem functions on the seabed. We know that when coral animals contract, they are in poor condition, and when they extend to feed, they are in good condition. At NORCE, we have developed new technology at the marine research center 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 marine environment. The invention has been named the Polyp Activity Monitoring System (PAMS).