GKSS-Research Centre, Institute for Coastal Research Geesthacht, Schleswig-Holstein, GERMANY

knauth@gkss.de

　

The MERMAID system is an automated measuring system for water quality monitoring in coastal areas, estuaries and rivers. The system allows automatic, remote-controlled monitoring of general environmental parameters (meteorological, hydrographic) and main water quality parameters (oxygen, chlorophyll, pH, nutrients etc.). In addition, automatic samplers which are activated automatically at occurring "events" (thresholds, slopes, boolean combinations of measured parameters) are provided for toxic trace substances. A sophisticated data system allows remote control and surveillance of all modules at the marine or river station. The data are transmitted by telemetry (radio, cellular phone or satellite communication) to a land station (Pentium-PC) and stored in a database. With the software it is possible to retrieve, display, manipulate and export selected data. MERMAID is now operated by the German monitoring authorities.

　

In this contribution results of nutrient and heavy metal concentration time series obtained from three MERMAID stations built up in the Elbe estuary and in the Elbe-influenced coastal zone are presented together with corresponding meteorological and oceanographic parameters. The examples indicate that the transfer of nutrients and of contaminants in the estuary and in the coastal zone is strongly influenced by different short- and long-term events, i.e. freshwater discharge rates and wind actions. Additionally, in summer chemical and biological processes influence to a high degree the fate of these substances on their way from the river to the coastal zone.

　

　

¹Aquatic Sciences Group, GHD Pty Ltd Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRLIA

　

²Monitoring and Assessment Unit, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Townsville, Queensland, AUSTRALIA

　

A Reactive Monitoring Program for Marine Construction has been developed and implemented in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to moderate the environmental impacts of the Nelly Bay Harbour Development, Magnetic Island, Australia. Works including construction of an extensive breakwater, 'dry' excavation of a harbour basin and channel dredging posed substantial environment risks to fringing coral reefs and mangrove communities within the Marine Park.

　

The principal feature of the Reactive Monitoring Program is the integration of tiered biophysical monitoring within a cascading management response framework. Via a series of baseline studies, the program determines environmental tolerances of key habitats and biota. These tolerances are translated into a series of environmental trigger levels, which are applied in a compliance monitoring program to limit construction impacts at their source and thus maintain key habitat condition. Development trigger levels are sensitive to fluctuating environmental conditions such as tide and wind, and are moderated by the extent of the designated buffer zone separating the development site from key habitats. Clearly defined management responses are adopted within the pre-construction phase so that breach of a trigger level instigates an immediate pre-defined action.

　

The program moderates the expense of monitoring by linking intensive investigation with breaching of the Stage 1 trigger level. This addresses uncertainties in the efficacy of trigger level settings in a cost-effective manner. Breach in the Stage 2 trigger level results in a stop work and modification of a particular construction activity. A formal reporting program to an independent Management Response Group ensures transparency in the management process, while providing a mechanism for the reasoned instigation of special investigative studies. The effectiveness of the Reactive Monitoring Program is illustrated by examining the environmental performance of the Nelly Bay Harbour Development. The utility of the Reactive Monitoring Program for various marine systems is discussed.

　

　

　

¹Coastal and Harbor Engineering Research Laboratory, KORDI Seoul, KOREA

kspark@kordi.re.kr

　

²DATAPCS, LTD. Kyungki-Do, KOREA

　

Real-time coastal observing stations using Kyoboncho and Sokcho light tower were successfully inaugurated as a real-time coastal monitoring station in comply with the national master plan for the real-time coastal and ocean observation strategies using a light tower built on underwater rocks. Kyboncho and Sokcho system will produce valuable and various coastal information required to reduce natural disaster damages by detecting early movement of typhoon or low pressure front in summer season before landing on Korean peninsula in advance. Types of real-time information include wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, tide, storm surge, wave, water temperature and salinity. Data are collected on regular basis and transmitted to the main server through wireless Internet using CDMA mobile communication technology. After post-processing on the server, collected data are distributed to the users on the high speed internet or mobile internet network.

　

By constructing Kyoboncho and Sokcho real-time coastal observing stations, it is now possible to check coastal weather and sea states in real-time and to manage the stations remotely at anyitme and anywhere easily using mobile communication technology. As a result, the chronic problems of RF and satellite communication such as data transmission loss or high expense are solved with more advanced features of CDMA mobile communication setups. After all, these advantages will benefit the long-term maintenance and operation of real-time coastal observing station in very favorable manner.

　

　

GKSS Research Centre, Institute for Coastal Research Geesthacht, GERMANY

friedhelm.schroeder@gkss.de

　

The paper describes the development of a new operational tool which uses ferry boats as carrier system for automated monitoring equipment. Such systems can be operated with much less costs than automatic buoys and have better performance with regard to bio-fouling. Existing ferry systems mainly measure oceanographic parameters and have to take samples for nutrient analysis.

　

The "German FerryBox" consists of a fully automated flow-through system with different sensors and automatic analysis. It provides the possibility of automatic cleaning cycles and positions-controlled sampling (GPS). Data can be transferred to shore and the system can be remotely operated by GSM (mobile phone) if the ferry is near the shore.

　

The FerryBox automatically measures the following parameters: r temperature, salinity, turbidity, oxygen, pH, chlorophyll fluorescence, ammonium, nitrate/nitrite, phosphate, silicate and main algal classes (by specific fluorescence). Data acquisition, storage and telemetry is coordinated by an industrial PC. Bio-fouling is prevented by automated pressure cleaning procedures. The system has been installed on the ferry Hamburg-Harwich (U.K.) and is under test since November 2001.

　

Results from recent measurements will be presented and discussed in the context of North Sea eutrophication problems. Future developments could combine ferry data with remote sensing measurements and apply these data to numerical models.