3. Data Buoys
Ocean data buoys can gather vital data on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the ocean and transmit it to researchers and decision-makers onshore. With this information, we can monitor changes in the ocean over time, predict and respond to potential threats, and better manage and protect our oceans for the future.
Ocean data buoys were first developed as a way to monitor weather conditions at sea. Over time, their capabilities have expanded to include monitoring a wide range of oceanographic variables, such as temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels, as well as monitoring the movements of marine organisms and the presence of marine and atmospheric pollutants. Data buoys also have the capability to collect data on water column acoustics, making them valuable tools for mapping the ocean floor and studying deep-sea habitats.
The data collected by ocean data buoys has a wide range of applications, from supporting scientific research to informing practical decision-making for the management of our oceans. For example, the information gathered by these buoys can inform oyster farmers and offshore aquaculture operators regarding ocean acidification or warming events. The information gathered by data buoys can also be used to model these events and thus better predict them in the future.
In addition to its scientific applications, the data collected by ocean data buoys is also playing an increasingly important role in the blue economy. The information gathered by ocean data buoys is crucial for supporting the development of sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices, as well as the safe and effective exploration and extraction of minerals and energy from the ocean.
For example, ocean data buoys can be used to monitor the movements of fish populations and track the impact of fishing activities on marine ecosystems. This information can be used to inform the development of sustainable fishing practices and to help reduce the impact of fishing on threatened or endangered species. Similarly, the information gathered by ocean data buoys can be used to monitor the conditions of offshore wind and wave energy sites, helping to ensure their safe and efficient operation and to support the growth of the renewable energy sector. Another example would be the monitoring and prediction of undersea earthquakes and tsunamis, where data buoys can not only observe these events but also send early warning signals to significantly reduce loss of life and economic damages.
However, ocean data buoys also face some challenges, such as the harsh and corrosive marine environment, which can limit a buoy’s lifespan, therefore lead to high deployment and maintenance costs. Namely, the maintenance cost is associated with the power systems. Currently, the incumbent power solution for data buoys include solar panels, batteries, in some cases miniature wind turbines, and in rare cases diesel generators. The most common power package involves the use of solar panels and batteries and they need routine maintenance services — basically, cleaning the solar panels of sea salt spray and bird droppings, and replacing the batteries. At a minimum, this routine service requires a small vessel with a A-frame and a small specialized crew. In nearshore environments, a routine maintenance operation costs around $10K to $30K/unit/year. This cost can be substantially higher in offshore or high-latitude locations.
To address these challenges, new developments in technology are being made to increase the reliability and longevity of these devices, while also reducing their cost. For example, advances in materials science and engineering are leading to the development of more durable and corrosion-resistant buoys, while the use of small-scale marine hydrokinetic energy devices (e.g. tidal and wave energy) are making it possible to reduce maintenance costs and increase power supply to enable big ocean data gathering.
From supporting scientific research to informing decision-making for resources management, data buoys are gathering vital data to enable the long-term sustainable development of our blue economy and preserve the health and well-being of our oceans for future generations.
Please visit www.oceanmotion.tech to learn more.
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References
Počuča, M. (2006). Methodology of day-to-day ship costs assessment. Promet-Traffic&Transportation, 18(5), 337–345.
