Autonomous monitoring
Our autonomous monitoring systems provide up-to-date reports on
marine water quality and environmental conditions around the
UK.
They can measure a variety of environmental parameters including
salinity, temperature, nutrients and levels of plankton species in
the surrounding water. This can be combined with real-time data
transmission and interpretation tools, such as geographical
information systems.
The data from our monitoring systems are available online,
enabling widespread information-sharing and aiding
decision-making.
Our systems are used for a range of applications including:
- water-quality assessments
- flood forecasting
- eutrophication studies
- understanding coastal processes
- contaminant behaviour
- coastal protection.
Most of these tools use technology that is integral to our SmartBuoys: moored,
"intelligent", automated, multi-parameter recording
platforms used to collect marine environmental data. The range
of devices include:
- an in situ integrated sensor and
"intelligent" sampler system
- independent, in situ, automated sensors
calibration
- real-time, global, two-way telemetry.
Marine observation system
Using our marine environmental real-time observation system
(MEROS) Cefas can create system networks that collect, store and
exchange environmental data and, in turn, are available to
end-users who need to understand and model ecosystem behaviour.
In partnership with others, we have developed a new generation
of mooring systems. These enable high-frequency measurements of
marine environmental data over extended periods of time.
They provide "smart" data to improve understanding of the
physical and biogeochemical processes operating in the marine
environment.
MEROS and our autonomous monitoring systems are
enhanced by our comprehensive scientific and technical services,
designed to improve understanding of the marine ecosystem and its
response to natural, man-made and climatic changes.