AQUARIUS Funding Call – Marine and Freshwater Infrastructure Access: Open 02 September 2025 – 28 October 2025
Floating University
Scientific Survey Methods: Monitoring of fish and benthic fauna on the RV Svea
Lysekil, Sweden 29 June - 3 July 2026
AQUARIUS Floating Universitities
AQUARIUS is organising two Floating Universities for early-stage researchers in marine-related sciences. Floating Universities will address a range of themes and topics, with a focus on the applications and operation of research vessel data acquisition, sampling systems and equipment.
General Course Objectives
This course is developed for MSc and PhD students interested in research methods used in marine research. It is held onboard SLU’s research vessel Svea and will run from 29 June to 3 July 2026, starting and ending in Lysekil, Sweden. Students’ will receive practical training in research methods that are used today in marine ecological research, with a focus on non-lethal methods that minimize the effect on the ecosystems studied. Students will stay on board the vessel during parts of the course. Costs for accommodation and travel to Lysekil will be provided.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- The student should be able to describe key methods that are used today in marine ecosystem research and environmental assessment.
- The student shall be able to demonstrate detailed knowledge in one of two of the following specific ecosystem study methods: (1) Collection and analysis of active hydroacoustic (echosounder) data for fish monitoring, or (2) Collection and analysis of underwater image data for qualitative and quantitative assessment of biodiversity status.
- The student should show an ability to critically examine and discuss pros and cons of specific methods with regards to data quality, environmental impact, feasibility and cost effectiveness.
- The student should be able to work independently with a specific data collection and data analysis task, and present the results orally.
Timeplan:
Morning
- Welcome, presentation of participants
- Physical meeting at SLU-Aqua (Lysekil), with preparatory talks and introductory lectures on the different themes led by the course leaders, as follows:
- Introduction to the course
- Ground rules for seminars set by the students, together with the course leaders.
- Introduction to research and facilities at SLU Aqua
- Lecture 1. Hydroacoustics for quantitative fish stock assessment and ecosystem components (fish and zooplankton)
- Lecture 2. Remote video for monitoring of benthic fauna
- Students divide into three groups and prepare for the excursion, set-up of protocols and assignment of tasks
Afternoon
- Dinner at R/V Svea followed by presentation of the ship and crew, and familiarisation (security) to R/V Svea.
Expedition day 1
- Departure R/V Svea at 06:00 with destination Bratten (offshore Natura 2000 area)
- Data collection and methods demonstration in the Bratten area.
- Hydroacoustics using EK80; broadband echosounder.
- Pelagic trawling for groundtruthing X 2
- Sampling of zooplankton
Expedition Day 2.
- Demonstration and data collection of:
- Video surveys in trawled and protected areas.
- Deployment of baited remote underwater video (BRUV).
- Video transects using the UW-TV
- Data analysis, work on written reports and oral presentations.
- Submission of written report (deadline 19:00)
- Presentations of projects (groups)
- Course evaluation
- End after lunch
Course leaders
Assoc. Prof. Jonas Hentati-Sundberg (Jonas.sundberg[@]slu.se), Assoc. Prof. Mattias Sköld (mattias.skold[@]slu.se) & Dr. Hans C. Nilsson (hans.nilsson[@]slu.se) at the Department of Aquatic Resources, SLU.
Application
A total of 17 positions are available for students of all nationalities enrolled at European universities or having a degree from a European university and the selection will be based on the information provided in the application form.
The course will render 1.5 credits and at the end of the course a certificate of completion will be delivered to all participants. This will include module descriptor of the course which is 1 week of full-time studies. No special certification is required to apply.
The online application will be available here and linked from the AQUARIUS homepage in January 2026, including instructions for applicants:
Costs and travel grants
The course is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme for Research and Innovation under grant agreement No 101130915 and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. The course is free of charge and participants accommodation will be covered including food served onboard RV Svea according to the schedule above.
Travelling to Lysekil:
Lysekil is easily accessible through Gothenburg Airport, Landvetter and has good train and bus connections.
A travel reimbursement up to a maximum of €400 is available after application. The support will be given on submission of proof of expenditure by each individual.
