For one week this summer, the Swedish research vessel RV Svea became a floating university as Master’s and PhD students from across the world took part in this AQUARIUS-funded training opportunity, organised by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU).
One of these students was Kris Kleve, a marine science Master’s student from Sorbonne University. Kris specialises in non-invasive techniques to monitor and assess species, populations and biodiversity. His reseach seeks to better understand interactions among marine ecosystems, human activities, resource use and governance, to improve and adapt them in ways that benefit both nature and people in the long-term.
Here, Kris shares his experience of the AQUARIUS Floating University aboard the RV Svea.
A week of hands-on learning at sea
Over an intensive week at sea, we worked with multiple approaches using non-invasive techniques, especially hydroacoustics, to assess abundance and identify specific habitats or species. We were allowed to direct our own sampling strategy and itinerary with the research vessel, which was a rare and unique opportunity!
Exploring marine research techniques
We worked with Simrad EK80 narrowband and broadband hydroacoustics for fish stock assessment and species identification. We also used underwater television imagery to identify deep-sea epifauna and sediment grabs to assess habitat composition, biodiversity and benthic fauna in the Bratten protected area.
We learned directly how hydroacoustics, underwater imagery and integrated survey techniques contribute to ecosystem-based fisheries management and long-term marine monitoring. Learning how to organise a sampling plan and itinerary with our teams was also a fundamental lesson and experience.
Scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing
I am so grateful to have participated in the AQUARIUS Floating University programme aboard the RV Svea, organised by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). I really want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, Jonas Hentati-Sundberg, Mattias Sköld and Hans Nilsson for making this incredible experience possible. I would also like to thank the crew of the RV Svea and all the amazing, inspiring participants for an enriching week of scientific collaboration and knowledge sharing!
It was one of the most fabulous weeks of my life.
I look forward to applying these methods in future marine research!
