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Benthic Habitat Research Laboratory

The Benthic Habitat Research Laboratory conducts interdisciplinary research on the marine environment by combining hydrographic and hydroacoustic methods, remote sensing, and advanced data analysis. Its primary field of activity is the noninvasive exploration of the seafloor, with a focus on identifying its structure, geomorphology, seabed sediments and benthic habitats.

The Laboratory uses data acquired from multibeam echosounders, side-scan sonars, and lidar systems, as well as other types of spatial environmental data. Integration of multiple data sources enables the comprehensive characterisation of the seafloor without directly disturbing the environment under investigation.

An important area of the Laboratory’s activity is the development of machine learning and deep-learning algorithms. These methods are used for the automated identification, segmentation, and classification of benthic habitats, seabed types, and geomorphological seafloor features. Research covers both the development of new analytical solutions and the assessment of their accuracy, reliability, and applicability to scientific studies and projects conducted for the maritime sector.

The Laboratory also investigates the automated detection and classification of underwater archaeological objects using data obtained through noninvasive seafloor surveys. The analyses include the identification of objects and structures visible in bathymetric data, sonar imagery, and other remote-sensing datasets. The methods being developed can support the documentation and protection of underwater cultural heritage, as well as the planning of further archaeological investigations.

Another key area of activity is the monitoring of changes in seabed habitats over time using repeated hydroacoustic and lidar surveys. Multi-temporal analyses make it possible to assess seafloor dynamics, transformations of geomorphological features, and changes in the extent and structure of benthic habitats. The results can be used to evaluate the effects of natural processes and human activities, including offshore developments, on the seabed environment.

Particular emphasis is placed on investigating the role of acoustic backscatter in seafloor mapping and interpretation. The analysis of the intensity and spatial variability of signals reflected from the seabed provides information on properties such as sediment type, surface roughness, the presence of biological structures, and seabed heterogeneity. Combining bathymetric data with acoustic backscatter information enables a more accurate delineation of seabed types and habitats and supports the production of detailed maps of the marine environment.

 

Main areas of activity

  • noninvasive seafloor exploration and mapping;

  • identification and classification of benthic habitats;

  • identification of geomorphological seafloor features;

  • analysis of bathymetric, sonar, and lidar data;

  • development of machine learning and deep-learning algorithms;

  • automated detection, segmentation, and classification of underwater objects and structures;

  • identification of underwater archaeological heritage;

  • multitemporal monitoring of changes in seabed habitats;

  • analysis of acoustic backscatter;

  • integration and spatial analysis of environmental data;

  • production of habitat, geomorphological, and thematic maps;

  • support for scientific research, maritime activities, and offshore developments.

The Laboratory collaborates with scientific institutions, maritime authorities, organisations responsible for environmental protection and cultural heritage, and entities operating in the offshore sector. Its research contributes to the development of modern methods to investigate and monitoring the marine environment and supports the responsible planning and implementation of activities at sea.

 

 

CONTACT:

Łukasz Janowski

e-mail: ljanowski@im.umg.edu.pl

phone: 58 669-37-68

 

ADDRESS:       

Benthic Habitat Research Laboratory

Maritime Institute

ul. Roberta de Plelo 20

80-548 Gdańsk, Polska