Smart ocean Sensors Web Enabled ocean sensors for aquaculture

Abstract

Ocean Observing systems provide a broad range of users with critical information. This can include information required for problem solving, decision making, prediction and forecasting as well as to support offshore engineering and design. In short, these systems enable us to better understand the oceans around us. Collecting and delivering data in an effective and timely manner is crucial to its viability and consequently its value to the end user. In broadest terms, an ocean observing system is comprised of three primary functional layers. The top layer, from the point of view of the end user, is the application layer, the software tools that enable the user to process, interpret and act upon data. The second layer is the service layer, the hardware and software necessary to move, store and manage data. The third layer is the data collection layer consisting of the sensors and systems that are the physical interface with the ocean environment. The vision of Sensor Web Enablement, sensors that are discoverable, accessible and usable over the World Wide Web, is one that will ultimately have application in all ocean sectors and industries. One area of particular applicability both provincially in Newfoundland and Labrador and regionally in Atlantic Canada is aquaculture. Real time access to site data describing the sometimes rapidly changing oceanographic and meteorological conditions is critical for effective management of a modern aquaculture operation. The School of Ocean Technology at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland is about to embark on a pre-commercial applied research project that will result in a new and innovative approach to ocean observation in support of the aquaculture industry. On a larger scale, the results of the Smart Ocean Sensors Project will create the framework for a new class of observation systems with the capability to be uniquely and independently located, addressed and accessed via the World Wide Web. The School of Ocean Technology will collaborate with the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association to provide the industry with ready access to real time and archival data on marine environmental conditions in support of sustainable aquaculture production. The project is based in the Coast of Bays region, the frontier of the emerging aquaculture industry on the island of Newfoundland and the centre of the rapidly growing commercial salmonid aquaculture industry in the Province. The project will deliver information to the end user through collaboration with the SmartBay initiative. SmartBay is a trial implementation of a user-driven, operations-focused ocean observing system with the vision of integrating and delivering information to a broad base of marine users in a timely and user-friendly manner. Currently based in Placentia Bay, which is geographically adjacent to the Coast of Bays, SmartBay is set to expand its service footprint into the Coast of Bays region under a separate project. The results of the collaboration will provide a better understanding of the dynamic biophysical conditions that affect the planning, operation and commercial viability of aquaculture installations. Access to the information will support all aspects of the industry, from planning and environmental assessment to site operations to broader scale ocean resources management. It is hoped and expected that following a successful trial in the Coast of Bays, the model will be adopted by the growing aquaculture industry for other regions and other species including shellfish and ground-fish. Finally the project will serve to establish a unique R&D capability at the Marine Institute that will not only improve the competitiveness of the aquaculture industry but will also provide opportunity to sensor manufacturers, regionally and beyond.