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The initial deployments measured oceanography, salinity,
dissolved oxygen, reduction-oxidation potential, pH, surface temperature, sample
temperature, depth, meteorology, wind speed, wind direction, air temperature,
relative humidity and barometric pressure.
 The system’s weather measurements are checked for integrity and
then put into the U.S. and global weather-reporting networks. Given that our
locations are often the only weather reporting stations in their vicinities, the
weather data is quite valuable in forecasting. It has already provided
significant information on specific hurricanes and other weather phenomena. The
ocean database is now online and available to the scientific community. (Click image to enlarge)
The cost of each SK1000—approximately $40,000—is substantial.
However, given that it performs seawater and weather analysis every minute of
every day completely unattended, the cost per data record becomes extremely
inexpensive. The systems require only minor maintenance and calibration a few
times a year, and SK1000 systems have been working continuously for three years
without failure.
Additional sensors under development include those for
measuring ocean color (CDOM); water clarity (turbidity); phytoplankton
(chlorophyll); blue-green algae; select metals (Cu, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn); arsenic
and mercury; harmful algal blooms (HABs)—red tides, plus others; carbon dioxide;
nutrients; and radiation.
 Asean Lady. (Click image to enlarge)
The SK1000 has been endorsed and is in use by organizations
such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the World
Meteorological Organization, the National Data Buoy Center and the United
Nations System’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. The society is
looking at working closely with various oceanographic institutions, governments
and entities such as the Global Ocean Observing System and the various Coastal
Ocean Observing Systems to expand the deployment of its system and to ensure
that the information gathered is put to effective use.
Collectively, the society’s members have contributed more than
$7 million to fund this innovative ocean-monitoring technology. The goal is to
ensure a healthy ocean for future generations. With the success of the SeaKeeper
1000 firmly established, the International SeaKeepers Society is now addressing
the broader platform of the world’s ocean agenda.
SeaKeepers
CEO John
Englander
englander@seakeepers.org
954-766-7100
www.seakeepers.org
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