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Project title

MAkiNg Technology work for moNitoring polliNAtors

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

National Parks & Wildlife Services (NPWS)

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Jessica Knapp

Project Abstract

In response to the critical issue of pollinator declines and recognizing their profound significance for human food security, economic stability, and ecosystem functionality, the EU Pollinators Initiative has initiated a pivotal action to establish a comprehensive monitoring system. This initiative includes the piloting of a European-wide Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (EU PoMS) through the SPRING project. While this scheme holds promise, there are significant gaps in current monitoring approaches. To bridge these gaps, modern technologies like robotics, computer vision, and molecular methods offer opportunities to enhance taxonomic and geographic coverage, speed, accuracy, efficiency of identification, and temporal resolution. However, the readiness of these technologies varies, necessitating further research to develop, advance, and adapt them for integrated transnational pollinator monitoring. This also involves providing guidance on the synergistic value and cost-efficiency of combining different monitoring approaches. Additionally, it is crucial to integrate information from diverse monitoring methods, both traditional and novel, into near real-time early warning systems, enabling adaptive conservation and restoration interventions. The overarching objective of the ANTENNA project is to address these monitoring gaps by advancing innovative technologies that complement EU-wide pollinator monitoring schemes. ANTENNA aims to establish transnational pipelines, transitioning from monitoring activities to curated datasets, and enhancing indicators that support policies and end-users relevant to pollinator conservation. ANTENNA's specific objectives are as follows: 1. Advance automated sample sorting and image recognition tools to make them practical for practitioners through a co-design approach. 2. Expand pollinator monitoring to include understudied pollinator taxa, ecosystems, and pressures. 3. Quantify the benefits of various novel monitoring systems concerning economic costs compared to 'traditional' methods. 4. Establish a framework for integrating multiple data streams and develop routines for near real-time forecasting models, forming the basis for early warning systems. 5. Scale up from local demonstrations to implement large-scale transnational pipelines and offer tailored guidance on selecting and combining monitoring methods and indicators for policy and end-users.

Grant Approved

�148,660.01

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/02/2024

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/01/2027