Project Description

An offshore platform deployed in Lewis Bay (Cape Cod, MA) by the Lewis Bay Research Center (www.lewisbay.org) serves the public and research communities as both an Aid to Navigation (AtoN) and as a platform for automated meteorological and oceanographic monitoring systems. The development of the multi-function platform was initiated when the Lewis Bay Research Center secured a permit to establish a physical daymarker at Fiddlehead Rock near the center of Lewis Bay. The platform enhances navigational safety by identifying the location of the submerged rock formation and was installed in the summer of 2009.

Constructed from 3 large steel I-beams (photo below) driven into the seabed, the structural integrity of the daymarker offers an ideal platform for mounting sensors to monitor weather and oceanographic conditions. A steel mast, secured to the top of the daymarker, hosts an array of ruggedized marine-grade weather sensors, solar panels, and antennas. Water quality is measured using a subsurface sonde located inside a stilling tube within the I-beam frame. The system is completely automated, self-powered and records measurements every 15 minutes. With the assistance of Interactive Oceanographics (www.riocean.com) the station commenced operation on October 5, 2009.

Installation of the Fiddlehead Rock monitoring site marks the completion of the 2nd phase of the Lewis Bay Research Center long-term monitoring plan in Lewis Bay. Our pilot monitoring site was established in 2006 nearby in Uncle Robert's Cove to study water quality (access via www.lewisbay.org). Results obtained in Uncle Robert's Cove, and the need to establish sentinel stations in Lewis Bay in concert with plans to clean up non-point source pollution in Lewis Bay, established the need for the Fiddlehead Rock platform.

Our web-based monitoring system offers 24/7 instant access to meteorological and oceanographic conditions at Fiddlehead Rock using any web browser. With our web-enabled datacenter, you can select panel buttons to view project area maps, instrument panels, recent and historical data, time series graphs, statistical summaries and project-specific information. You may even personalize the site by choosing from a selection of skins and specifying parameters to view when opening the web site.

Limitation & Data Disclaimer

Uncertainty and potential for error can be associated with environmental monitoring data. Data users are cautioned to consider carefully the provisional nature of the information before using it for decisions that concern personal or public safety or the conduct of business that involves substantial monetary or operational consequences.

No warranty, express or implied, is given as to the accuracy, reliability, utility or completeness of the data hosted on this datacenter, and this organization shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described or information contained on these pages.