June the 1st, 2025 – A new automated system that works to analyse plankton levels will further protect Croatian waters.
As Morski writes, back in mid-May, the Yokogawa FlowCam 8100 was installed in the Laboratory for Plankton and Shellfish Toxicity at the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries.
This innovative device was funded by the INTERREG Italy-Croatia ALIENA project. The autonomous system represents a significant step forward in the automation of plankton community analysis and monitoring of the state of the marine environment in Croatian waters.
The Yokogawa FlowCam enables the rapid imaging and identification of particles in seawater samples – including phytoplankton, zooplankton, detritus and other microscopic organisms. With the help of advanced image analysis software, the device automatically classifies organisms according to their observed shape, size and other morphological characteristics, thus enabling the analysis of a large number of samples in a short time. This will allow for quicker responses to potential issues, and proper monitoring in the case of either a dropping number of necessary life forms, or a rise of harmful or dangerous ones.
By purchasing this advanced autonomous system, the Institute is further strengthening its capacities for the close research and monitoring of Croatian waters, in line with the wide objectives of the ALIENA project, which promotes the improvement of cross-border cooperation in the field of marine protection.
The Mediterranean constantly faces numerous threats, from microplastics to a loss of important marine inhabitants and invaluable ecosystems. This autonomous system therefore represents a huge step forward when it comes to offering marine life and Croatian waters the long-term protection they require. Working closely with neighbouring countries such as Italy on commendable projects such as these has become commonplace for Croatia through various INTERREG cross-border programmes. This latest move will have countless benefits for both countries via their shared Adriatic Sea.
