Ocean
- Department BAMJO, SAMBA, SAND
- Fields involved Image analysis and Earth observation, Statistical modelling, Machine learning, Climate and Environment
More than 70 % of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. The ocean is a vital resource for transportation, food production, energy, climate regulation and environmental stability. With one of the longest coastlines in the world, Norway has a deep-rooted relationship with the sea, where people have relied on its abundant resources for generations.
Today, ocean-based industries such as aquaculture, shipping and offshore energy are some of Norway’s largest export sectors, playing pivotal roles in societal development and the national economy. To ensure that marine resources are utilised efficiently, while protecting them for future generations and safeguarding vulnerable habits and species’ in the ocean and coastline, it is essential to understand and manage these resources sustainably.
At NR, we research and develop innovative methods and technologies for marine research applications. We frequently collaborate with the Institute for Marine Research (IMR), leveraging our expertise in image analysis, statistical modelling and artificial intelligence to address a wide range of challenges in the sector. Our work includes developing stock assessments of fish and marine mammals, modelling infectious diseases in aquaculture systems, and creating automated methods for analysing image data from underwater videos, echosounders, satellites, drones and aircraft.
Through advanced data analysis and practical applications, our research deepens understanding and provides valuable decision-making support. In turn, this promotes more efficient and sustainable management of marine resources.
Selected research topics
We work with statistical modelling of contagious diseases, biomass prediction, population estimation of wild fish and whales, as well as strategic analysis for fisheries and whaling. Our competence covers the spectrum of statistical methods, from regression techniques to Bayesian hierarchal models.
NR began its work in population estimation of minke whales around 1990. Today, we work with population estimation of various types of fish, whales and seals. Our work is in close collaboration with the Institute of Marine Research.
ast amounts of observational data are retrieved in the marine sector. We develop methods for automatic analysis and extraction of various types of marine image data, such as microscopic images, underwater videos, sonar acoustics, and drone images of sea mammals.
