WaveNet Tyne Tees Waverider buoy deployed

A Datawell Directional Waverider buoy was deployed on Thursday, 7 December 2006, at 00:37GMT about 20 nautical miles off the northeast English coast. The 74m-long research vessel, RV Cefas Endeavour, deployed the Waverider, together with a yellow guard buoy, in stormy conditions with winds gusting up to 50 knots.

This deployment is the latest addition to the WaveNet network, a system of marine data devices providing scientific information to the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas). The WaveNet project is funded by Defra in partnership with the Environment Agency.

WaveNet buoys send data every 30 minutes by ORBCOMM satellite transfer to the WaveNet IT system at Cefas’ laboratory in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Signals are automatically decoded and added to the WaveNet database. The information is then uploaded to the WaveNet website, which displays data in near-real time for marine managers and the general public to access. In addition, historic data can be freely downloaded from the WaveNet website following registration.

The latest buoy is situated in a new location for the WaveNet array, at approximately 54 55'N, 000 45'W. All marine users in the area should exercise due care while passing the buoy. Passing at least half a mile away will reduce the risk of the buoy breaking free of its mooring. This will also ensure that the data captured is available for the benefit of all users, with a minimum loss of service.

Notes to editors

1. Cefas is an internationally renowned scientific research and advisory establishment, based at Lowestoft since 1902. It also has laboratories at Burnham-on-Crouch and Weymouth, and a number of other facilities around the UK. It became an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 1997.
2. Cefas undertakes work on fisheries management, environmental protection and aquaculture. It offers a wide range of research, advisory, consultancy, monitoring and training activities to government departments (UK and foreign, central and local), international agencies, commercial companies and aid organisations. For more detail see the Cefas website: www.cefas.co.uk.
3. WaveNet is the strategic wave-monitoring network for England and Wales. It provides a single source of real-time wave data from a network of wave buoys located in areas at risk from flooding. The strategic aims of this network are (1) to improve the management of flood and coastal erosion risk, and (2) on a longer timescale, to help design improved flood defence schemes and to provide data for climate change studies.
4. The WaveNet website (www.cefas.co.uk/data/wavenet) displays data in near-real time in an easy, accessible way. Flood managers, local authorities, consultants and other stakeholders use WaveNet data in order to assess flood risk. The general public, including sailors and surfers, etc, can also access the data via the website.
5. Press contact: Anne McClarnon
   Telephone: 01502 524370 / Email: anne.mcclarnon@cefas.co.uk
6. Alternative scientific contact: Dr David Pearce
   Marine Observations Systems Manager
   david.pearce@cefas.co.uk