Products and Services

Wageningen Marine Research offers many products and services, such as different types of analysis, equipment for acoustic observations and monitoring. Furthermore, we develop and use both models and databases for our research.

DEMO – Dynamic Ecosystem Model Oosterschelde
- The Dynamic Ecosystem Model Oosterschelde (DEMO) is a simple simulation model that describes the spatial and temporal nutrient dynamics within the...
VEMCO - Acoustic transmitters for fish
- VEMCO: Tracking individual fish over longer distances and time intervals. A unique and flexible detection system allows individual fish to be tracked...
Telemetry network for birds and bats (MOTUS)
- The MOTUS Wildlife Tracking System has been specifically designed to track the movements of smaller animals, such as bats and birds. The system uses...
Acoustic monitoring of harbour porpoises (C-pods)
- The use of C-pods (continuous porpoise detectors) is currently the most common method to monitor the habitat use of harbour porpoises over longer...
Sonar imaging of the seabed: Side Scan Sonar
- Side scan sonar can be used to map out underwater structures such as mussel banks.
Otolith analysis
- The age of fish can be determined by studying their otoliths. Similar to trees, otoliths have annual growth rings. In addition, based on the size of...
Stomach content analysis
- The stomach contents of different species of birds, fish and marine mammals can be analysed at Wageningen Marine Research.
Tracking seals at sea with transmitters (telemetry)
- Seals spend 70% of their time in the water. They search for food and use the water to migrate to other locations. Harbour seals even mate in the...
Counting seabirds
- Counting birds at sea requires a lot of knowledge and experience. For decades, our bird counts have provided insight into possible effects of natural...
CHARM - model for chemical hazard assessment
- The CHARM or “Chemical Hazard Assessment and Risk Management” model is a generic model that TNO-Wageningen Marine Research helped to...

Models

Models are use for topics such as the following:

Determining the effect levels like LC50 and NOEC of a compound after an ecotoxicological experiment has been run
Determining the effects of a compound or compound mixture tested in a multi-species ecotoxicological test design using mesocoms
Risk assessment of varies human activities at sea (or elsewhere), including: offshore oil and gas industry, offshore wind turbines, fisheries and shipping

Models are also developed for addressing newly emerging topics including ecosystem bases approaches to marine resource management, cumulative effects, etc.

On-going development of models

To enable Wageningen Marine Research to stay at the forefront, on-going development of existing modelling tools, as well as building new models using novel approaches, form an integral part of our research. This effort includes widening our knowledge base by implementing new modelling tools and co-operating with other research institutes and partners.

What is a model?

Observe that model is a very broad term. 'Model' may mean a lot of different things to different people. Here we used a definition of any mathematical or numerical abstraction that helps researchers improve their understanding of their subject. Hopefully this representation of reality will is helpful in communicating our findings to a much wider public.

Databases

Dataportals or databases are constructed and maintained to aid in our research. They provide a means to effectively gather and store various kinds of information. When required, strict control measures can be implemented to insure the quality.

Most importantly, databases offer good means of querying the data, so that it can be used to deliver the maximum amount of knowledge. Linking information gathered from different sources is one more strength of using databases.

DEMO – Dynamic Ecosystem Model Oosterschelde

VEMCO - Acoustic transmitters for fish

Telemetry network for birds and bats (MOTUS)

Acoustic monitoring of harbour porpoises (C-pods)

Sonar imaging of the seabed: Side Scan Sonar

Otolith analysis

Stomach content analysis

Tracking seals at sea with transmitters (telemetry)

Counting seabirds

CHARM - model for chemical hazard assessment