Observação integrada dos ecossistemas mesopelágicos através de sensores inteligentes em predadores oceânicos

Our project proposal seeks to address fundamental questions regarding the reliance of deep-diving elasmobranchs on mesopelagic prey and the potential impacts of ocean warming and extensive extraction from these intermediate trophic levels. This will be achieved by pioneering the development of an innovative animal-borne tag equipped with a micro-sonar-triggered video camera with behavioral and environmental sensors to quantify mesopelagic biomass abundance patters. This technology will revolutionize our ability to study the ocean's twilight zone. Additionally, we will assimilate this high-resolution data to enhance the performance and spatial resolution of SEAPODYM models. This enhancement will enable us to make more realistic predictions regarding the climate and exploitation impacts on mesopelagic communities and how these effects may propagate to top predators. Our main objectives are: 1. Develop innovative smart tools: We will develop, in close collaboration with consultant Dr. Guinet, cutting-edge animal-borne tags, including the world's first micro-sonar-triggered camera tag equipped with behavioral and environmental sensors. These tags will provide invaluable insights into lower trophic level prey fields through bioluminescence measurements, 4D dynamics of mesopelagic zones using micro-sonar, and identification of major mesopelagic prey targeted by pelagic sharks and rays. The ECHO will integrate high power ultrasonic transmitter to allow interoperability with the future Azores Robotics tracking and monitoring ASV. 2. Quantifying Predator-Prey Interactions: We will directly observe and quantify the dependence of oceanic top predators on mesopelagic prey during their forays into the twilight zone. This will be accomplished using the new micro-sonar camera tags and by analyzing extensive data previously collected with the iPILOT multisensor video camera tags. 3. Characterizing Mesopelagic Ecosystems: Our research will comprehensively characterize the distribution, composition, and abundance of mesopelagic organisms, including specific functional groups such as non-migrant, migrant, and highly-migrant micronekton. These findings will enhance the spatiotemporal predictions of pelagic lower and mid-trophic levels abundance and distribution by SEAPODYM. 4. Forecasting Ecosystem Impacts: We will forecast the potential impacts of large-scale extraction of mesopelagic biomass on the open ocean ecosystem on higher trophic level oceanic predators in a warming ocean. Our aim is to provide valuable insights to inform science-based management and conservation decisions. 5. Consolidating knowledge and technology transfer: We will leverage national and transnational collaboration and the training of young scientists and the research team. This will allow the team to acquire advanced modeling skills and cutting-edge technology to foster scientific and technological innovation while strengthening Azore blue economy technology cluster. In summary, this proposal will advance the state of the art of biologging, our understanding of the ecology of oceanic elasmobranchs, and the significance of mesopelagic resources in preserving biodiversity at higher trophic levels. It will contribute to science-based conservation and management decisions in the context of large-scale exploitation of mesopelagic biomass under environmental challenges and strengthen the marine technology sector in the Azores.