The SmartBay subsea observatory in Ireland’s Galway Bay is fully operational after being officially activated.
Last year, a 4km cable and a frame were installed on the seabed to which sensors and monitoring equipment were attached as part of the development of the ocean observatory.
For the first time, the cable will supply power to the site and allow for unlimited data transfer from the site for researchers testing new and innovative marine technologies.
Galway SmartBay General Manager John Breslin said: “Thanks to the extensive underwater equipment we have installed, real-time data from sensors can be accessed through the web and analysed by researchers and companies trying to commercialise novel marine technologies.
“The information from the subsea observatory will accelerate developments in the marine sector and contribute to environmental monitoring, the development of ocean energy technologies, education and research as well as maritime security.”
SmartBay is supported by Ireland’s Marine Institute, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland.
Image: SmartBay cable laying off Galway (Andrew Downes)
