Multi-sensor Buoys for Underwater Data Collection

Unprovoked shark attacks are a cause of concern among surfers, divers, and swimmers in general. Data collected by the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) since 1958 shows that over 2500 shark attacks had occurred around the world in the last 50 years. These attacks are not usually mortal but can cause severe health and financial problems to the victims. Having concern for water safety, the first phase for the shark detection system’s design, a solar powered multi-sensor buoy.

The first phase of the implementation of this system consists of a multi-sensor buoy equipped with sonar technology and a visible camera in order to collect underwater data. The lack of studies in underwater data to distinguish between marine species is a problem within the scientific community. The principal reason for the absence of advanced technology to explore harsh environments is because of its high cost. As a result, the first phase of the system will provide a solution to this problem by making available a system capable of recording marine data with the advantage that this design can be implemented as an array of buoys capable of covering more area with the capabilities of communicating with other buoys. The product can be acquired by university departments, research centers or general investigators interested in studying the marine life. Finally, it will provide the necessary information for the development of the second phase of the project, which include the design of a classifier to detect sharks and alert nearby swimmers of a shark’s presence.

Author(s):

Luis Millán    
Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Puerto Rico

Luis Padró    
Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Puerto Rico

Leslie Soto    
Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Puerto Rico

Rolando Ortiz    
Electrical and Computer Engineering
University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez
Puerto Rico