Spearheaded by Matthew Salter, a Baltic Sea Research Fellow at the Department of Environmental Science, this initiative aims to fill crucial gaps in our understanding of coastal ecosystems, especially in the context of climate change.

"We currently have a limited understanding of the role of coastal environments in climate change and the interplay between marine biology, ecology, chemistry, hydrology, and climate feedbacks," Salter explains, emphasizing the need for such advanced research facilities.

Matthew Salter. Photo: Niklas Björling

The observatory is integral to CoastClim, a research project blending marine ecology, biogeochemistry, and atmospheric physics to decode and measure the intricate interactions between coastal habitats and climate processes.

Christoph Humborg, a Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and the Scientific Director of the Baltic Sea Centre at Stockholm University, elaborates on the observatory’s broader significance within CoastClim: “The CoastClim project is a collaboration between Stockholm University and the University of Helsinki that addresses the intertwined global biodiversity and climate crises. The observatory will significantly enhance knowledge of coastal ecosystem dynamics and climate change mitigation.”

Prof. Christoph Humborg. Photo: Baltic Sea Centre

A ’floating pontoon’ with innovative power solutions

The observatory, playfully dubbed by Salter as a 'floating pontoon,' is set to stand on a stable floating platform, which is currently being constructed by a Stockholm-based company. It is expected to arrive early next year. Meanwhile, the shipping container, which will house the scientific instruments, is undergoing comprehensive renovations. The plan is to commence operations in the spring of 2024. 

AI generated artists impression of the mobile air-sea interaction laboratory at Askö Laboratory. Photo: Matthew Salter

A key feature of the observatory's design is its sustainable power source with a plan to use fuel cells. This approach represents a significant step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions in marine research. "In 5-10 years, we hope to use similar technology to power research vessels," Salter anticipates, aligning with the global trend towards climate-friendly technologies.

Focusing on volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

The research at the observatory will primarily focus on the role coastal environments play in climate change. "Sea spray aerosols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and greenhouse gases are crucial links between the marine environment and the atmosphere in these settings," Salter notes. The current lack of detailed knowledge about ocean-emitted VOCs, including those from plankton and bacteria, poses a significant challenge in the field.

To bridge these knowledge gaps, the floating observatory will be equipped with specialized instruments for VOC analysis. "The container's instruments will include standard aerosol equipment for online measurements, filter samplers for chemical analysis, and a mass spectrometer for online analysis of both particles and VOCs," Salter elaborates. The observatory, estimated to weigh around 100 tons and cost about 15 million Swedish crowns (SEK), will undergo thorough stability and mobility testing under various conditions to ensure optimal performance during research.

Complementing the R/V Electra

The floating observatory is designed to complement the research capabilities of Stockholm University’s R/V Electra. While Electra is essential for broader research, the new observatory’s mobility and cost-effectiveness allow for detailed studies in diverse coastal locations, offering a flexibility that perfectly complements Electra’s scope.

Environmental impact is a critical factor in the observatory's design, as it seeks to minimize emissions and provide precise, non-intrusive data collection, thereby offering an environmentally conscious alternative to the research conducted by Electra. Salter points out, "Electra is one of our major emitters," highlighting the need for alternative research methods to explore questions where ship emissions could skew critical data.

Stockholm University's R/V Electra. Photo: Stella Papadopoulou

Notably, the floating observatory can be deployed for extended periods, unlike Electra, which is more costly and limited in its operational duration. "Electra is expensive to operate, costing over 200,000 SEK per week," Salter says. The new observatory’s capability for prolonged stationary research is invaluable for observing long-term environmental changes, complementing Electra’s shorter research trips, which are generally further offshore.

By integrating mobility, cost-efficiency, and environmental consciousness, the floating observatory and Electra together are setting new standards for future coastal studies. As Salter succinctly puts it, this development is about enhancing marine research with "practicality and specificity."

A national asset for coastal research

The observatory's broader significance is highlighted by its funding from a national infrastructure grant provided by the Swedish Research Council, cementing its status as a crucial national asset in marine science. This reflects a commitment to expanding scientific boundaries and investing in infrastructure that benefits the broader scientific community.

"While it's a Stockholm University initiative, the observatory is open for collaboration," Salter encourages, inviting researchers from various institutions to join this venture.

Doctoral students will also have access to the new facility as part of the 'Perspectives on Climate Change Science in Coastal Seas' research school within CoastClim. Christoph Humborg notes the importance of this development, stating, "This opportunity allows a large group of our Baltic Sea Fellows and their PhD students from various marine departments to make use of the new Askö facility. This is a step towards establishing a robust research community at Stockholm University, focused on investigating climate feedbacks in the Baltic and coastal seas."

In hosting this cutting-edge floating observatory, the Askö Laboratory is poised to revolutionize coastal and marine research, blending advanced technology with collaborative efforts towards a sustainable future for our oceans and the planet.