Last year, as storms ravaged the North Sea, with waves up to 12 metres high, the new NetTag had its first (unplanned) test. The good news: it passed with flying colours!
A mooring that had been deployed by Newcastle University, containing valuable instruments and priceless recorded data was broken by the storm.
In a stroke of luck, the innovative NetTag underwater acoustic transponder technology came to the rescue. Developed initially to locate lost fishing gear, the NetTag system proved its versatility by successfully pinpointing the position of the submerged instruments six weeks after they were lost at sea.
Unlike traditional methods that rely on radio waves, which are absorbed by seawater, the NetTag system utilizes acoustic communication. This technology allows for silent operation until an interrogation signal triggers a response from the transponder, minimizing underwater noise pollution and preserving marine ecosystems.
The recovery process was straightforward yet remarkable. Professor Jeff Neasham and his team from Newcastle University ventured out on the RV Princess Royal equipped with a prototype Surface Locator Unit (SLU). Within minutes of arriving at the site, they were able to locate the transponder, submerged approximately 30 meters deep.
This successful retrieval not only salvaged valuable research equipment but also provided insights into dolphin behaviour during extreme weather conditions. The recovered sensor data revealed the presence of dolphins around the mooring during the height of the storm, shedding light on their adaptive capabilities.
The implications of this technology stretch beyond academic research. With the frequency of severe storms on the rise, the NetTag system offers a lifeline for lost equipment and subsea assets, minimizing environmental impact and maximizing recovery efforts.
As we face increasing challenges in our oceans, innovative solutions like the NetTag system offer hope for safeguarding both scientific endeavors and marine ecosystems. With further advancements and widespread adoption, this technology promises to revolutionize underwater research and conservation efforts for years to come.
In 2024, the team is testing the tag on fishing gear, meaning, in the near future, it could also be the solution for a more environmentally friendly fishing industry.
Find out more about this Mission Ocean and Waters project here