Following a winter marked by intense storm activity, the SmartBay observatory was successfully redeployed in June, reaffirming its role in real-time ocean monitoring and marine research, and introducing new observational capabilities as part of ongoing technological advancements.
In addition to the set of permanently deployed instruments CTD, DO2, Fluorometer, ADCP, HDTV, hydrophone and the CytoSub and UVP6 installed last year, a second camera has now been mounted on a smaller, secondary observatory. This secondary structure is positioned to face the main SmartBay observatory. This configuration enables researchers to observe interactions between marine organisms and the observatory itself. In addition, it will enhance marine species identification and contribute to an innovative EU-funded project aimed at developing a virtual twin of Galway Bay.
The two instruments installed last year to support activities of the ANERIS Horizon Europe project were re-deployed to continue providing imaging data. The CytoSub enables high-definition and high-frequency imaging of phytoplankton and zooplankton in their natural state. Deployed at SmartBay, it supports long-term monitoring of microbe communities and dynamics, including harmful algal blooms.
The UVP6 (Underwater Vision Profiler 6) is used to study particle and plankton abundance, size, and distribution in the water column by capturing high-resolution images in situ. A more detailed account of these instruments can be found here: SmartBay EMSO node deploys two cyberinfrastructure for ANERIS – EMSO.
The data collected from SmartBay supports various EU projects, including Horizon Europe project ANERIS (grant agreement No 101094924), which the Marine Institute participates in as an affiliate partner of EMSO ERIC.
Figure 1: Sketch of the SmartBay observatory showing the second frame and newly installed camera system, enhancing visual monitoring capabilities as part of ongoing EU-funded innovation efforts. Credit: Marine Institute
Figure 2: SmartBay observatory and the smaller secondary frame awaiting their redeployment in Galway Bay in June. Credit: Yvonne Wiese
Authors: Yvonne Wiese and Christine Loughlin (Marine Institute)