The importance of marine research has never been greater
Introduction
Prof. Han Dolman, director of NIOZ
Building the future of marine research
Towards the end of 2024, I had the privilege of visiting the Armon shipyard in Vigo, located in the northwest of Spain. This is where our new ocean-going research vessel, the RV Anna Weber-van Bosse, is being constructed. In mid-October, the hull was launched, and since then, the vessel has been fitted with state-of-the-art research equipment, living quarters, winches, cabling, and all the systems necessary to transform it into one of the most advanced research vessels in operation. The scale of the ship itself is striking, but during my visit in December, I was even more inspired by the possibilities this vessel will bring to the Dutch marine research community. The RV Anna Weber-van Bosse represents not just a leap in technological capability but also an opportunity to support more researchers and students under far more comfortable conditions than we could offer previously.
New era of marine tools
Marine research depends on ships and tools. Without them, our work would simply not be possible. It is therefore immensely rewarding to see the efforts of our researchers and the expertise of our shipbuilding site teams bear fruit through significant investments of time and funding. In 2024, we completed a major milestone in our fleet renewal program with the launch of the RV Anna Weber-van Bosse. Earlier in the year, we celebrated the christening of the RV Wim Wolff, our new vessel dedicated to research in the Wadden Sea and coastal waters. By June, it was already in operation, supporting critical studies in the Wadden Sea and Zeeland Delta. Our investments are not limited to crewed vessels. We are also building a fleet of automated, crewless tools, such as gliders, deep-diving Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), and a deep-sea Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). These robotic tools, when deployed alongside our ships, mark a fundamental shift in how we conduct marine research. This combination of human-crewed ships and autonomous systems allows us to study ocean biogeochemistry and marine life at unprecedented time and spatial scales. Preparations for their deployment are well underway, supported by a grant from the NWO Institutes Organization’s Innovation Fund.
Focus on people
While tools and technology are vital, our most important resource remains our staff. In 2024, we made significant strides in strengthening our talent management systems, providing training in leadership and cultural awareness, and enhancing support for our organisation. We believe that creating a socially secure and inclusive working environment is essential for fostering the innovation and excellence expected of us. Last year, we welcomed Professor Andrew Hirst as the new Head of the Estuarine & Delta Systems (EDS) department in Yerseke. EDS also expanded with two new tenure track researchers funded by the Delta Climate Center, who began their roles in 2024. These additions have brought fresh energy and expertise to our team, ensuring that we are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
This year NIOZ completed major milestones in the fleet renewal program
NIOZ is well-positioned to continue delivering impactful research
Tackling the most pressing challenges
The importance of marine research has never been greater. In 2024, ocean surface temperatures remained alarmingly high, leading to severe marine heatwaves that impacted ecosystems, including coral reefs. At the same time, new evidence has raised concerns about the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) much sooner than previously anticipated. These developments underscore the urgent need for increased monitoring and research to better understand their implications, particularly for Northwestern Europe’s climate. Closer to home, debates about gas extraction under the Wadden Sea and the potential exploitation of rare minerals through deep-sea mining highlight the need for continuous research to assess the vulnerability of these ecosystems. Our mission to advance the understanding of marine biodiversity and climate has never been more relevant. A recent report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) underscored the interconnectedness of biodiversity, water, food, and health areas where our research plays a vital role.
Contributing to society through research
In 2024, we were pleased to see the launch of a major project funded by the Dutch National Science Agenda (NWO-NWA) on the ecological impacts of large wind farms in the North Sea. In this region, a variety of interests -fisheries, renewable energy production, and marine conservation- intersect in a relatively confined area. Through this project, NIOZ aims to contribute to a better understanding of the effects of these developments on the marine environment, helping to balance competing priorities. In addition to this project, we have also secured funding for a variety of other research initiatives, including ERC Advanced Grants, Vici, Vidi, and Veni grants, as well as NWO XL and NWO Small grants. These grants not only support our fundamental research agenda but also demonstrate how our work seamlessly integrates fundamental and applied science. This distinction often becomes blurred, as shown in projects like our work on nature-based solutions and our long-term collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch Department of Waterways and Public Works).
Looking ahead
As we reflect on 2024, it is clear that marine research remains as essential as ever. Our efforts to better understand the ocean and its ecosystems are crucial for addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from climate change to biodiversity loss. With our advanced fleet, innovative tools, and talented staff, NIOZ is well-positioned to continue delivering impactful research. I hope this annual report provides you with valuable insights into our work and inspires you with the progress we have made.
New evidence has raised concerns about the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation