No abstract

Operating in remote regions, Russian pipelines not only are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, but also in some of their sections to seismic activity. In order to secure these assets’ integrity, monitoring is mandatory. Due to the long distances to be monitored and to the linear nature of these pipelines, distributed fiber optic sensing is the only solution to provide remote monitoring operation with accurate localization of events. In some cases, it can even take advantage of the telecommunication fibers laid along the pipelines to minimize installation cost. A complete and commercially available solution based on the DITEST Asset Integrity Monitoring (AIM) system combines strain and temperature measurement over 100’s kilometers at meter spatial resolution with dedicated fiber optic cables specifically developed for strain, temperature and ground movement measurement to provide continuous information on any abnormal pipeline behavior, including leak, intrusion, excessive tube deformation and seismic activity. This scalable monitoring solution was adopted to monitor the most critical areas of the Sakhalin-Khabarovsk-Vladivostok pipeline route, which crosses 32 Active Tectonic Faults (ATF) zones. A combination of pipeline deformation monitoring, ground movement detection and leak detection is used to monitor these critical pipeline regions. The early knowledge of abnormal events allows the pipeline owner/operator to take preventive mitigation measures in response to these critical geohazards.

In this study, we look at recent developments in our understanding of the life cycle of the red spiny lobster Panulirus argus (Latreille, 1804) and examine the evidence for connectivity between geographical regions, especially the north-northeast Brazilian continental shelf and the Wider Caribbean. The study also covers aspects of reproduction, phyllosoma density, large-scale oceanic circulation, self-recruitment, settlement patterns, ecological behaviour, and the impact of the Amazon and Orinoco river discharge on recruitment. Our findings support the hypothesis that lobster larvae are transported by ocean currents and free eddies from Brazil to the Caribbean via the Lesser Antilles, outlining a south-to-north connectivity. In addition, we look into the probable existence of hybrids between sympatric lobster species, as evidenced by differences in colour patterns and morphology.

Estimates of spiny lobster stocks (Panulirus argus Latreille, 1804) represent a fundamental input for population assessment models and are, therefore, indispensable for proper management. In this study we analysed methodologies employed in the Gulf of Batabanó (Cuba) and Providencia and Santa Catalina (Colombian Caribbean) to estimate abundance (N) and stock productivity. We found evidence that the relative abundance (CPUE) for trap-like jaulones and skin diving in natural shelters was likely to remain high despite the decline in abundance (hyperstability). In contrast, the proportionality between CPUE and N was satisfactory in artificial shelters (Cuban pesqueros). Stock productivity was greater for jaulones (22 288 kg/km2) than for pesqueros (1309 kg/km2) or natural shelters (15.25 kg/km2), reflecting differences in the productive capacity of each type of fishing gear. In natural shelters the exploitable biomass is under great fishing pressure and the reproductive stock is likely to decrease. Thus, the West zone of Providencia and Santa Catalina, characterized by high-density seagrass and mangrove, should be designated a marine protection area to prevent a lobster fishing collapse. The most effective measure to revert the lobster fishing collapse in Cuba would be to ban the use of jaulones and liftable pesqueros, thereby reducing fishing intensity.

The present work introduces the technology background at the origin of FOPIMS (Fiber Optic Pipeline Integrity Monitoring Systems) with an emphasis on geotechnical monitoring. It shows how temperature sensing can be implemented to control soil erosion or dune migration through event localization and spatial quantification. Arctic pipeline monitoring project illustrates the application of soil erosion detection. Direct measurement of strain in soil also enhances environmental threat detection. Combined with temperature sensing, strain sensing composes the geotechnical monitoring system. Transandean pipeline monitoring examples are presented where the DITEST AIM was implemented for geohazard prevention. These study cases concern new pipeline installation as well as retrofit of existing lines. The technique successfully evidenced early events and allowed preventive measures to be taken. In some applications actual pipeline deformation need to be monitored. Such operation is achieved by measuring distributed strain along sensing cables attached to the structure. We show how such measurements complement the geotechnical measurements. We also describe a real implementation in seismic active area. As a whole, the work focuses on the technique principles, the installation and how the system is being implemented for pipeline preventive maintenance. We intend to present a comprehensive set of design guidelines based on real results and lessons learned from the various projects in what concerns geohazard detection and pipeline deformation monitoring.