Innovative Benthic Lander for Macroalgae Monitoring in Shallow-Water Environments

Abstract

The colonization of underwater environments by exotic seaweeds is causing major ecological problems around the world. This project, referred to AMALIA, aims to transform this current ocean threat into an opportunity by adding value to the macroalgae present off the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula. To do so and to observe the presence of seaweeds in situ, an ocean modular submersible platform was developed. This platform was designed to be capable of detecting and surveying surges of invasive seaweeds while withstanding sea conditions. Conceptual designs followed by a screening process were performed, taking into consideration criteria such as operational range and modularity. An open-frame lander was considered and further developed using buckling criteria. In parallel, a state-of-the-art monitoring system was created using spectral imaging, allowing for the future creation of a macroalgae identification system. In addition, sensorial systems for characterizing growth conditions were introduced. Laboratory trials were executed to assess the capability of the system, and sea trials are currently being performed. Numerical simulations and laboratory trials indicate that the structure is fully capable of being deployed for shallow-water environments with a state-of-the-art invasive seaweed monitoring system while maintaining a high degree of modularity.

The “Little MonSta” Deep-Sea Benthic, Precision Deployable, Multi-Sensor and Sampling Lander Array

“…Most benthic lander systems are single, large multi-sensor platforms that are dropped from the surface vessel to the seabed and recovered using acoustic releases that change the landers’ buoyancy causing the lander to float back to the surface where they are “fished” from the sea [ 13 , 14 ]. These systems have the disadvantage that the deployment area can only be guaranteed within a certain spatial accuracy below the vessel and that smooth landings, especially on uneven seafloors, are not assured.…”