PML Deploys ecoSUBs to Track Carbon Disruption From Trawling

Researchers at Plymouth Marine Laboratory are using autonomous underwater vehicles to investigate how trawling disturbs carbon locked away in sediment on the ocean floor, in a project that could help reshape how shelf seas are managed. The C-FLOOR project is examining the impact of trawling gear on carbon cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in shelf seas. Fieldwork is being carried out in the Western Channel Observatory using a first-of-its-kind combination of traditional and advanced research methods.

 

Details of the Project

 

PML is investigating trawling's carbon impact. It is using autonomous underwater vehicles. These examine seabed carbon disturbance. The project is called C-FLOOR. It could reshape shelf sea management.

The project has a clear focus. It examines trawling gear's impact. This concerns carbon cycling. Greenhouse gas emissions are also studied. This is in shelf seas.

 

The Research Approach

 

The project uses an innovative method. It combines traditional and advanced methods. This is a first-of-its-kind approach. Fieldwork occurs in the Western Channel Observatory. This is a long-running time series site.

The team uses specific technology. It deploys ecoSUBs, small AUVs. These gather data around trawling. This spans before, during and after. A simulated trawling rig is towed across the seabed.

 

The Importance of Shelf Seas

 

Shelf seas hold particular significance. They cover a small ocean fraction. Yet they are biologically rich. They host much biodiversity. Most large protected areas are situated there.

Shelf seas face heavy use, however. They serve many purposes. Seabed trawling is one. This creates tension with their richness. It makes understanding trawling's impact important.

 

Read More: https://oceaneconomist.com/articles/seastore-trawling-carbon-irish-sea

 

The Trawling Challenge

 

Trawling interacts with the seabed variously. Different gear behaves differently. Some skims the surface. Others dig into sediment. This disturbs stored carbon.

The carbon impact is uncertain. Global estimates vary widely. They range considerably depending on the study. Trawling may accelerate organic breakdown. This could weaken the ocean's carbon sink role.

 

The Value of Autonomy

 

Autonomy adds measurement detail. It provides an additional layer. This captures changes in greater detail. It offers new insights. This complements traditional methods.

The approach builds a fuller picture. Multiple data sources are combined. This shows how processes interact. It avoids relying on one data stream. This marks the project's first such deployment.

 

Significance of the Research

 

The research could inform management. It examines human-induced pressures. This concerns shelf seas. It provides new evidence. This helps decision-makers make informed choices.

The research supports sustainable management. Company leadership cited this goal. It combines long-term observation with autonomy. This better understands shelf sea pressures. It could be scaled across wider areas.