When starting the deployment planning process, the first step is to understand exactly what one aims at studying. Why are you interested in a specific location and what is the data you aim to collect? Are you interested in waves or currents? Will one depth level be sufficient or is a velocity profile of the water column required? In most cases your deployment site is predetermined either by oceanographic features you aim at studying, a man-made channel or harbor that requires monitoring or the site of a future aquaculture or wind farm. In some cases you may deploy your instrument on already existing structures but in most scenarios the sensor will be deployed on its own, either in a mooring line, on a surface buoy, or a bottom frame.
In any of these deployment scenarios, a thorough understanding of the local bathymetry and prevailing current systems is essential for ensuring accurate data collection and operational safety. We strongly recommend the following preparatory steps:
- Consult detailed nautical charts and bathymetric maps to understand depth variations, underwater features, and bottom types in your deployment area. These resources can help in selecting optimal deployment locations and avoiding unsuitable or hazardous zones. Public repositories, hydrographic agencies, and marine research institutions often provide such data, which may offer insights into both large-scale and localized seafloor characteristics.
- Identify potential environmental hazards or operational challenges, such as strong tidal currents, seafloor instability, or regions with high biological activity that may interfere with equipment deployment or data quality.
- If your instrument will be deployed near the surface or in shallow waters, it is critical to map out local shipping lanes. Proximity to vessel traffic increases the risk of equipment damage or loss due to entanglement, collision, or retrieval by mistake.
- Investigate the nature and intensity of fishing activities in the vicinity of your deployment site. This includes understanding the type of fishing gear that is used (e.g., trawling, longlines, nets), the frequency of activity, and common vessel routes. Fishing gear can pose a significant threat to deployed instruments, especially if the installation is not clearly marked or are difficult to detect by fishermen.
If the deployment is intended to span an extended period of time, it is equally important to account for seasonal variations in oceanographic and environmental conditions. If the instrument is located in an area with seasonal sea ice, a surface signature (buoy) is usually not recommended.
Updated