Digital Twin of the Ocean: Animal Tracking (DTO-Track)

Marine life is under significant threat due to human activities such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. These issues are leading to declines in fish populations and shifts in their distribution, resulting in lower fish catches and a diminished capacity of the ocean to perform crucial functions like carbon sinking. Protecting the ocean is essential for maintaining biodiversity and supporting human needs. However, increasing demands for food, transportation, and energy are placing considerable strain on marine ecosystems. Effective management and conservation of ocean life require a thorough understanding of animal habitats and movement patterns. Tracking aquatic animals is challenging because traditional geolocation tools, like GPS, are ineffective underwater. Digital twins (DTs) are emerging as valuable tools for continuous monitoring and informed decision-making in conservation. They can assess the state of nature in real-time and help determine the effectiveness of intervention efforts. The DTO-Track project aims to address the challenge of tracking aquatic animal movements by developing a digital twin of the North Sea. This project will utilize advanced tracking technologies and international collaboration to gather and analyze data on animal movements. The goal is to enhance our understanding of marine life and support the sustainable management of ocean resources.