Speaker
Descrizione
eLTER-RI is a pan-European in-situ Research Infrastructure whose mission is to study long-term ecological changes in terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and transitional ecosystems through a holistic “whole system” approach, based on the integration of different environmental disciplines, to understand the role and interactions of multiple and complex ecosystem variables. The Italian network, LTER-Italy (https://ror.org/05ma8mw15), includes over 60 research sites nationwide. Through the ITINERIS project, a subset of marine and transitional water sites has been significantly enhanced with new instrumentation and improved observation strategies. Key improvements in the monitoring of biological Essential Variables have been achieved. In particular, innovative technologies allow for the mapping and real-time observation of key groups such as fish and gelatinous macrozooplankton, using imaging systems integrated with Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). Automation of biological data acquisition has also advanced, through instruments such as cytometers and ZooScan, enabling high-resolution monitoring of phytoplankton and zooplankton and supporting broad taxonomic identification. The project further supported the deployment of shared instrumentation across multiple marine and transitional sites to improve data comparability and foster synergies between different basins and regions, enabling coordinated observations across the eLTER network. Integration and enhancement of sensors for physical-chemical parameters strengthened the connection between oceanographic and biological/ecological data, supporting more comprehensive ecosystem assessments. Finally, the LTER-Italy network Digital Asset Registry (LTER-Italy DAR - https://dataregistry.lteritalia.it) was implemented, providing data and metadata sharing through services based on international standards and compliant with eLTER-RI specifications. These developments represent a significant step forward the implementation of long-term, interoperable, and multi-variable ecosystem observations, aligning with eLTER-RI’s vision and ITINERIS goals, while establishing a foundation for enhanced marine ecosystem monitoring and research coordination.
