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Using smart technology to keep tabs on water hazards
OUT on the choppy waters of Ireland’s Galway Bay scientists are perfecting a floating real-time monitoring system that they hope will enable coastal communities to react quickly to any water-borne threats .
The intention is to have a network of sensor buoys stationed around the bay to collect and transmit data on water quality and sea conditions. The constant flow of information will then be used to identify pollution, flooding threats, fish stock levels, and climate change. But added to that, the network will offer many spin-offs to both local industry and researchers.
For example it will allow commercial fisherman to report floating hazards to the Harbour Master who can then sound the alarm and have the buoys track the hazard until it has been safely intercepted. The buoys will also act as transponders for Galway’s fishing fleet and let fishermen use their mobile phones and onboard Internet connections.
With so much information on the bay being gathered, the researchers believe they will even be able identify suitable areas for wave power generators - without the need for lengthy feasibility studies. The so-called “SmartBay” system is being perfected by IBM and the Marine Institute of Ireland.
