Seawatch buoys and sensors are designed for long-term reliable operation without requiring regular maintenance. They incorporate a self-contained energy supply together with a powerful data processing unit for acquisition, quality control, storage, processing and transmission.

Seawatch sensors

Seawatch supports marine environmental management through monitoring and profiling physical, chemical and biological parameters. State-of-the-art sensors are used to detect algae and underwater particles in real-time, to perform continuous in-situ water quality monitoring using sensors capable of alerting to changes in nutrient levels or radioactivity, as well as carrying out traditional meteorological and directional wave observations. Seawatch sensors include:

• Optisens - Multiple colour optical sensor for algae and underwater particle detection
• Radam - Sea and onshore radioactivity sensor with spectrometer
• Nitrate Monitoring System - On-site determination of nitrate in soil

Real-time, two-way communication

Seawatch utilises state-of-the art communication technology to ensure foolproof transfer of data in real time to the onshore station. Satellite communication is also used to control the buoy's processor, datalogger and sensor operations. Communication by cable or telephone lines is also available for sensor systems in fixed locations.

Seawatch integrates data sources

Environmental data may also be integrated by the system from a number of other sources. For example, in order to build the best basis for national and international weather service operations, data from Seawatch sensors may be integrated with data from research vessels, weather ships, free-floating buoys as well as various types of satellite data. The system allows seamless exchange of data in recognised data formats.

Seawatch databases

Seawatch models

Seawatch can simulate currents, storm surges, river discharges, tides, salinity, temperature and the transport of pollutants such as oil spills and effluent discharges. The models may be applied in both deep and shallow waters.

User interface

The individual user encounters Seawatch through a user-friendly computer interface, with menus guiding the user to the information of interest. A geographical information system (GIS) visualises the data for studies, analyses, environmental management and decision making.

New OCEANOR WaveSense sensor

The Seawatch Buoys now contain the newly developed WaveSense sensor, a solid-state low-power integrated wave sensor and datalogger. The WaveSense, a solid-state inertial motion sensor features many advantages in terms of

• low power consumption
• small size and light weight
• not sensitive to rapid rotation or low temperatures