Weekly Photograph Highlight: Observation of Anchorage Point
Latest Developments in Ocean Moored Sensor Technologies
The world of oceanography is seeing significant advancements in moored sensor technologies, with innovative platforms like the Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB) and acoustic "fish tollgates" leading the charge.
Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB):
The IFCB, a well-established moored sensor, uses flow cytometry combined with imaging to automatically identify and quantify phytoplankton and microbial cells in the water column. While specific innovations in the latest IFCB versions were not found in the search results, the integration of high-bandwidth communication systems such as 5G is a trend in moored sensors. This enables real-time data transfer and remote monitoring, a feature that could potentially be incorporated into future IFCB deployments, allowing for continuous in-situ biological monitoring with immediate data accessibility.
Acoustic 'Fish Tollgates':
While the term "fish tollgates" was not explicitly found in the search results, relevant developments in underwater acoustics involve moored sensors with acoustic communication and detection capabilities. These sensors could detect, count, or classify fish as they pass through acoustic "gateways," using sound-based identification methods to monitor fish populations or movements.
Broader Context on Moored Sensor Technologies:
- Renewable power sources, such as solar and wind, now enable long-duration deployments with higher energy availability for moored buoys [1][2].
- High-bandwidth communication, like 5G, allows near real-time data transmission from moorings, enhancing responsiveness and modeling accuracy for oceanographic and meteorological phenomena [1][2].
- Sensor arrays now capture multiparameter environmental data, including currents, temperature, salinity, waves, and biogeochemical properties, allowing for comprehensive ecosystem monitoring and model validation [3][4].
Local Application:
In San Diego, California, the Del Mar mooring, operated by the Ocean Time Series Group, is a prime example of these advancements. Located three miles offshore of Del Mar, the mooring collaborates with various organisations, including Ethan Morris, who works for Uwe Send's Ocean Time Series Group. The Del Mar mooring is used to observe ocean conditions, such as temperature, currents, oxygen concentration, chlorophyll abundance, pH, and acoustic backscatter from fish. It also features in the Related Image Gallery: Photo of the Week 2018.
The Del Mar mooring is also used for teaching the course Observational Techniques in Oceanography: At-Sea Practicum, which includes servicing the mooring once per year. Furthermore, the mooring is used for testing new moored sensor technologies, such as the IFCB and acoustic "fish tollgates." However, the specific details about these innovations were not found in the provided information.
[1] NPS Renewably Powered Ocean Buoy Project: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/buoy/ [2] 5G and the Future of Ocean Observing: https://www.marine-tech.news/5g-and-the-future-of-ocean-observing/ [3] Southern Ocean Observing System: https://www.soos.org/ [4] Mediterranean Oceanographic Commission: https://www.unimediterraneo.org/en/commissions/mop/oceanography/
Technology Advancements in Moored Sensor Technologies:
The integration of high-bandwidth communication systems, like 5G, is a trend in moored sensors, enabling real-time data transfer and remote monitoring, a feature that could potentially be incorporated into future Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB) deployments.
Underwater acoustics are also witnessing developments, with moored sensors capable of acoustic communication and detection, such as the 'acoustic fish tollgates' concept, being used to monitor fish populations or movements.
