New technology will identify sources of plastic in the ocean
Plastic trash gets cleaned up along our beaches. But it’s also important to find out where the plastic comes from. A Norwegian app will soon be able to do this.
UN Sustainable Development Goals: Life Below Water
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Building trust in robots to measure, monitor, and regulate the ocean
A new partnership between the Centre for the 4th Industrial Revolution Ocean and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has been established to establish trust in ocean data collected from autonomous underwater vehicles.
Shedding light — on the polar night
The polar night is dark — if you’re a person. But not if you’re a krill or a seabird or a fish. In the first episode of NTNU’s new English-language podcast, 63 Degrees North, learn how researchers discovered that there’s more than enough light in the polar night for the tiny creatures who live there.
Found traces of antidepressants and painkillers in crustaceans on Svalbard
A team of researchers studying our footprint in the Arctic has taken samples of marine animals and wastewater linked to tourism. Their findings have revealed surprising levels of pharmaceutical drugs.
Smart site selection can make hydropower greener
Even though new hydropower dam developments are intended to provide green energy, they can drown areas that are rich in plant and animal species. But this kind of collateral damage can be limited by strategic site selection, a new study shows.
Reveals hungry salmon with sound waves
The feed cost represents about 50 percent of the costs of farming salmon. But how do we know if the salmon is hungry or still full? Researchers have rethought to find answers. The result is less wastage and pollution – and enough food for the salmon.
Global warming is faster than evolution
If global warming happens too quickly, not all species will be able to adapt in time.
NTNU researcher wins ERC Consolidator Grant
The EU has awarded two million euros for research on how animals are coping with climate changes.
Meet the aquaculture industry’s new maintenance bot
This ROV can fully operate on its own, and follow along with fish’s behaviour and health with its Argus eyes – all while keeping a safe distance. It even inspects the technical standard of the enclosure while it’s at it. Say hi to Mr. CageReporter.
Are discarded mobile phones and electronic waste polluting our seas?
The Norwegian research organisation SINTEF will investigate whether rare earth element minerals contribute to pollution in costal areas. Research scientists from Norway, Denmark and Germany are taking part in the project.
Teaching robots to cooperate underwater
The launch of a new research centre for robotics will provide increased knowledge about the sea with the help of underwater drones and robots. This could impact Norway’s international role as a major power at sea, says centre director.
Water fleas on “happy pills” have more offspring
Dopamine can trigger feelings of happiness in humans. Water fleas that are exposed to dopamine-regulating substances apparently gain several advantages.
Bioplastics no safer than other plastics
Bioplastics contain substances that are as toxic as those in ordinary plastics.
Why aren’t sea trout thriving anymore?
Sea trout numbers are declining in Norway and scientists don’t know why. They have studied the trout in two rivers in northern Norway’s Nordland county. Soon, sea trout along the entire Norwegian coast will be investigated.
New lessons from the worst oil spill disaster ever
Ten years ago, the Deepwater Horizon accident in the Gulf of Mexico killed eleven men and resulted in the largest accidental oil spill in history. Years of investigations concluded that the drilling crew missed critical warning signals that would have stopped the problem. A new analysis suggests that wasn’t the case.
“Seaweeds may become a profitable piece in the green transition jigsaw”
A unanimous group of research scientists are convinced that kelp may share many of the applications of soya and oil, and that they can also be used to capture CO2. Seaweeds can contribute towards climate-friendly solutions in all sorts of contexts. New know-how about seaweed farming is currently accelerating industrialisation of the sector.
Cement factories can put the brakes on global plastic pollution
Researchers believe that plastic refuse can be used as fuel in cement factories in Asia. If this works, it may provide a solution to two of the planet’s biggest environmental problems – plastic in the oceans and high levels of coal consumption.
Cleaner fish being sacrificed in the fight against salmon lice
Research shows that even fish farmers have doubts as to whether using cleaner fish is an effective delousing method. “Fish farmers tell us that they want a ban on the use of certain species. They’re also very critical of wild-caught cleaner fish being transported,” says researcher Kristine Størkersen. She is one of the scientists who have been helping the Norwegian Food Safety Authority gain an overview of the situation.
A deep dive into subsea monitoring
The coastline of Norway is peppered with more than a thousand oil wells, most of which will be plugged once they’re no longer profitable. They have to be monitored in case they leak — but keeping an eye on them isn’t easy. A new company offers a different approach that could help.
Following sea trout minute by minute
Sea trout populations have declined sharply. Researchers have studied the life of sea trout by means of acoustic telemetry tags and listening stations. Now they know more about what we need to do to protect the sea trout population.
Water flow can be traced with synthetic DNA sand
If your drinking water is contaminated, you’d no doubt like to find out where the pollution comes from. Researchers are working to make this easier.
More people and fewer wild fish lead to an omega-3 supply gap
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential components of healthy diets for both humans and fish. The dramatic increase in fish farming worldwide has boosted the demand for omega-3 fatty acids so much that today’s supply can’t meet demand. Reducing waste and finding new sources can help.
How much microplastic is there in your laundry basket?
Every time you wash clothes, you are releasing microplastics into the sea, but we know little about the amount and distribution of such material from different types of textile. Research scientists are now working on measuring and capturing microplastics in our laundry.
Ocean acidification a big problem — but not for coral reef fish behaviour
Several high-profile studies report that ocean acidification will affect coral reef fish behaviour enough to jeopardize their survival. One research team looked more deeply at this assertion — and found it is simply not true.