Scientists have deployed high-tech spotter buoys off the southern coast of Australia to investigate a peculiar brown foam and monitor rising ocean temperatures. The buoys are designed to collect and transmit real-time data on ocean temperature, wave height, and frequency.
Miot da Silva from Flinders University emphasizes that the data from these buoys will fill a significant gap in available wave information. This information will aid researchers, managers, developers, and policymakers in creating effective strategies for protecting coastal waters.
Rising ocean temperatures pose a threat to South Australia's unique marine life, including endangered Australian sea lions and leafy sea dragons. Accurate information from the buoys is crucial for protecting the region's vibrant marine biodiversity and improving coastal management practices. The buoys, released in early March, are part of a developing national system for marine data collection.