The BioProtect Biodiversity Toolbox is a set of tools composed of innovative solutions to monitor, map and forecast biodiversity. The tool includes annotated video footage, eDNA biosampler, citizen science eDNA sampler and Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME)-ID application.
During the first 18 months of BioProtect, partners in WP3 have been developing and testing a suite of practical biodiversity tools that make marine monitoring more efficient, scalable and cost‑effective.
This BioProtect Biodiversity Toolbox includes five prototype tools: an automated marine image annotation tool, an autonomous in‑situ eDNA biosampler, a deep‑sea biodiversity mapping camera system, a citizen science eDNA sampling protocol, and a vulnerable marine ecosystems identification (VME‑ID) app. Together, they lay the groundwork for collecting richer biodiversity data in BioProtect demonstration sites and associated regions.
Progress so far
Automated image annotation tool
In months 1–18, BioProtect developed and tested a semi‑automated annotation pipeline that converts legacy point annotations into polygons, laying the foundation for faster, AI‑assisted analysis of seafloor imagery.
Autonomous eDNA biosampler
Project partners designed, pressure‑tested and trialled an autonomous eDNA sampler in tanks and coastal waters, demonstrating accurate volume control and comparable eDNA yields to manual methods.
Deep‑sea camera system
Building on the Azor drift‑cam, BioProtect prepared two new low‑cost deep‑sea camera systems for deployment off Portugal, after field exchanges and design adaptation based on Azores experience.
Citizen science eDNA protocol
Using the Smith‑Root sampler, volunteers collected eDNA in Icelandic harbours and all around the country’s coast, creating a rich sample set for future metabarcoding of invasive and native species.
VME‑ID app
The VME‑ID mobile app is being designed to help fishers and scientists record bycatch of sponge and coral indicator species, with a modern backend, offline logging and planned links to global biodiversity databases.
