Knowledge Networks: ‘EDSnet’ ends – ‘MEREX’ soon to start
In December one of the final Environmental Decision Support Network (EDSnet) workshops took place in Falmouth, focusing on the European SANY (Sensors Anywhere http://sany-ip.eu/ ) project. The SANY integrated project is concerned with the interoperability of in-situ sensors and sensor networks. SANY architecture provides a quick and cost-efficient way to use data and services from currently incompatible sensors and other data sources.
Since early last summer SANY has been running a pilot water quality monitoring and forecasting service in the estuaries of the Fal and Fowey rivers. The service demonstrates how a wide range of data can be collected and processed to help shell fisheries better cope with the effects of water pollution incidents. This improved management helps reduce public health risks and production costs.
Data in both rivers has been sourced from data buoys supplied by Triskel Marine Ltd, winners of the MSE sponsored Seawork 2008 'Spirit of Innovation Award' and long standing EDSnet members.
The SANY team reported progress on the development and use of the forecasting system following scene setting by the Environment Agency (EA) and the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). Participants were introduced to both the formal regulatory regime in which forecasting has to operate, and to the issues concerned with the practical implementation and use of the forecasting tool in the confines of a competitive industry.
MSE CEO, Jonathan Williams explained that the SANY system was a technology demonstration tool and more development work was needed. However he believed the outputs to date showed how sensor data could be sucessfully integrated into a risk forecasting tool. Delegates indicated that whatever the result of the forecasting it must not make commercial shellfisheries less viable and if at all possible forecasting should be used to improve both the overall yield going to customers and ensuring the quality (health) of the edible shellfish.
Falmouth Harbour Commissioners indicated that they were interested in continuing to use the sampling techniques developed by SANY to monitor water quality and improve tidal forecasting to assist in a range of port operations such as dredging, vessel movements and pollution response planning.
In conclusion Jonathan Williams pointed out that if more research funding became available the current pilot system could be developed into a viable tool to both reduce risk to health and improve the commercial viability of the shellfish industry.
Facilitated by Marine South East, EDSnet is one of a number of Knowledge Networks supported by SEEDA. As EDSnet draws to a close MSE will be launching a new Knowledge Network. Also funded by SEEDA, 'MEREX' (Marine Energy Resources, Exploitation and Use) will seek to exploit and fill gaps in the science and technology base supporting the production and maritime use of alternative fuels and energy sources, along with the associated infrastructures for resource access such as wastes.
For more information email simon@marinesoutheast.co.uk
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