Fugro has successfully concluded its 2024 seabed mapping survey for Norway’s MAREANO programme, introducing environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling as part of the data collection for the first time. The MAREANO initiative, overseen by the Norwegian Hydrographic Service (NHS), focuses on comprehensive seabed mapping to generate scientific knowledge crucial for marine resource management and preservation. This year’s project is backed by Norway’s central government and underscores a growing emphasis on innovative approaches to ocean exploration.
The survey covered a vast area of 2,823 km² in the North Sea, with water depths ranging from 146 to 337 meters. Fugro employed the Fugro Discovery vessel, equipped with state-of-the-art multibeam echo sounders and sub-bottom profiling systems, to gather a complete dataset. The survey encompassed bathymetry, water column data, and acoustic backscatter information, all of which are critical for understanding seabed characteristics. These datasets will be accessible through VirGeo®, Fugro’s online platform for Geo-data.
For the first time in the MAREANO programme’s history, Fugro integrated eDNA sampling into the data collection process. This technique, which analyzes DNA traces left in the environment, allows scientists to assess biodiversity and species presence, providing crucial data for efforts such as monitoring endangered or invasive species and aiming for net biodiversity gain. eDNA offers deeper ecological insights, complementing traditional environmental sampling methods.
Additionally, transit data was collected for the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), further supporting the global Seabed 2030 initiative, a project dedicated to mapping the entire ocean floor by 2030. Fugro’s contribution to this international effort highlights the importance of collaborative data sharing in advancing oceanographic research and protecting marine ecosystems.
“The North Sea has been a focal point for MAREANO in recent years, particularly due to its ecological and industrial significance,” stated Nicolien Haasbroek, a project engineer at the Norwegian Mapping Authority. She emphasized the growing importance of marine data in supporting industries like offshore wind and aquaculture.
Marc Kebbel, Fugro’s Service Line Director for Hydrography in Europe and Africa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “MAREANO is the largest multidisciplinary mapping programme in Norway, and we’re proud to support it. Our advanced techniques enable us to collect high-quality Geo-Data that enhances our understanding of the seafloor, helping to preserve the health of our oceans and manage them sustainably.”
Fugro has been a key player in the MAREANO programme since 2006, contributing to over 140,000 km² of mapped seabed data. This continued partnership not only strengthens Norway’s understanding of its marine environment but also promotes sustainable management practices across the country’s marine sectors.
