Making the Invisible Visible
Fjords become living laboratories where change is detected in real time rather than reconstructed after impact.
​​Current monitoring approaches fall short in fjord ecosystems, leaving vast areas unobserved and key physical, biological, and chemical processes poorly understood. Without this knowledge, early change goes undetected and effective conservation becomes impossible. Seeing how these systems function in real time is essential to anticipate impacts and avoid irreversible loss.
Technology Development
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We develop frugal, real-time ocean-observing infrastructure for complex fjord systems, integrating autonomous tools, data pipelines, and AI-assisted analysis. Tested in Patagonian fjords, these technologies are designed for rapid sharing and global application across vulnerable coastal and fjord environments.
Research & Monitoring
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We aim to reveal the mechanisms that govern ecosystem risk and resilience in fjord systems, rather than collecting data for its own sake. We do so by integrating physical, biogeochemical, biological, and pollution processes that shape the water column and carbon pathways under climate and human pressures.
1. HABs early-warning: Large-scale plankton monitoring
We implement continuous, depth-resolved plankton monitoring using autonomous, field-adapted imaging to capture transient events and support early detection of harmful algal blooms.
2. HABs mitigation: Clay based HABs removal and control
We develop a real-time visualization platform combining laboratory screening and targeted field trials to independently assess clay–plankton interactions under realistic fjord conditions, identifying both risk-reduction potential and unintended impacts.​
3. Missing plastic: vertical distribution of plastic
We quantify how microplastics and associated chemical additives accumulate, persist, and move through Patagonian fjord food webs, from the water column to marine megafauna.
4. From water to tissue: standardized biopsies and Raman based plastic detection in marine organisms
We develop standardized sampling and deploy low-cost, field-ready Raman tools to detect microplastics and chemical additives in water and biological tissues in near real time.
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5. Local Eyes, Shared Science
We expand community-driven monitoring across Patagonia by equipping schools, fishers, and coastal groups with simple, standardized tools to observe plankton and key ecological indicators.
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Capacity Building
We train local communities and scientists across Patagonia to use, maintain, and interpret ocean observation technologies. This approach builds long-term independence and local ownership of environmental monitoring.
Conservation
We translate observations into decision-relevant knowledge through open data, collaboration, and capacity building.
We align science, communities, and institutions to enable effective, scalable marine conservation.