NOC Liverpool Unit 117 Glider deployment report for the DEFRA MAREMAP Project, April - May 2012 deployment

Abstract

This document summarises the extended deployment of a 200 metre depth rated Slocum Electric glider by the National Oceanography Centre, Liverpool, UK from the 2nd April to 17th May 2012. The deployment was aimed as a pilot study for the use of gliders by environment agencies to monitor marine conservation zones. Lithium expendable batteries were used inside the glider to provide an extended endurance. The glider had a series of science sensors installed to measure physical oceanographic and biological parameters that included water quality and algal activity. The glider was deployed from the Liverpool Bay and successfully navigated to the intended survey area that was more than 100km from the initial deployment location. Extensive independent scientific measurements were taken during the glider deployment and subsequent operation. These measurements were used for glider sensor calibration and the monitoring of any sensor drift. Avoidance and managing of the many hazards typical in the survey area such as shipping, strong tidal currents and fixed platforms were required during the deployment. This was achieved by remotely piloting the glider with using a satellite based communications link. After a deployment of just over six weeks a suspected glider entanglement close to the seabed occurred during a routine survey dive and attempted subsequent climb underwater. This compromised the glider operation during its return to shallower, more sheltered coastal waters for an intended recovery. An emergency recovery was then required that used a small charted deep sea fishing vessel. This document provides an overview of the deployment requirements, the glider operations and the recovered glider initial evaluation. A summary of the results achieved is also provided in the report.

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