The Spotter is a low-cost, real-time, solar-powered wave measurement buoy that was recently developed by Spoondrift Technologies, Inc. (Spoondrift). To evaluate the data quality of the Spotter device, we performed a series of validation experiments that included comparisons between Spotter-derived motions and prescribed wave motions (monochromatic and random waves) on a custom-built, motion-controlled validation stand and simultaneous in-water measurements using a conventional wave measurement buoy, the Datawell DWR-G4 (Datawell). Spotter evaluations included time-domain validation (i.e., wave by wave) and comparisons of wave spectra, directional moments, and bulk statistical parameters such as significant wave height, peak period, mean wave direction, and directional spread. Spotter wave measurements show excellent fidelity and lend a high degree of confidence in data quality. Overall, Spotter-derived bulk statistical parameters were within 10% of respective Datawell-derived quantities. The Spotter’s low cost and compact form factor enabled unique field deployments of multiple wave measurement buoys for direct measurements of wave characteristics such as ocean wave decorrelation length scales, wave speed, and directional spread. Wave decorrelation lengths were found to be inversely proportional to the width of the spectrum, and wave speeds compared well against linear wave theory.

Original[1] Optical variability occurs in the near-surface and upper ocean on very short time and space scales (e.g., milliseconds and millimeters and less) as well as greater scales. This variability is caused by solar, meteorological, and other physical forcing as well as biological and chemical processes that affect optical properties and their distributions, which in turn control the propagation of light across the air-sea interface and within the

Berry's Creek is an urban tidal estuary of the Hackensack River (New Jersey, U.S.A.), with over 10 km of waterways and over 3 km2 of tidal marsh. More than a century of industrial activity has resulted in elevated contaminant concentrations in sediment, water, and biota. Mercury, methyl mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been identified as the primary chemicals of concern (COCs) due to their persistence and bioaccumulation potential in aquatic and nearshore wildlife. As part of a multi‐phased remedial investigation program, OPTically‐based In‐situ Characterization System (OPTICS) field studies were conducted in Berry's Creek to characterize water column contaminant dynamics, specifically to (1) improve understanding of the interrelationship(s) between surface sediment and water column contaminants and (2) quantify the transport of water column COCs between waterways and marshes. Results from OPTICS monitoring indicated that particulate resuspension from the upper 5 mm of the sediment bed during flood and ebb tides and storm flows is the primary process by which COCs are exchanged from bedded sediment to the water column. Analysis of mass exchange of COCs indicated that COCs associated with resuspended particulates are transported from the waterways to the marshes, where they are retained. Dissolved COC exchange from marshes to the waterways was minor (less than 8% of total COC mass in water). Overall, marshes were observed to be net sinks for COCs.

NoiseSpotter is a passive acoustic monitoring system that characterizes, classifies, and geo-locates anthropogenic and natural sounds in near real time. It was developed with the primary goal of supporting the evaluation of potential acoustic effects of offshore renewable energy projects. The system consists of a compact array of three acoustic vector sensors, which measures acoustic pressure and the three-dimensional particle velocity vector associated with the propagation of an acoustic wave, thereby inherently providing bearing information to an underwater source of sound. By utilizing an array of three vector sensors, the application of beamforming techniques can provide sound source localization, allowing for characterization of the acoustic signature of specific underwater acoustic sources. Here, performance characteristics of the system are presented, using data from controlled acoustic transmissions in a quiet environment and ambient noise measurements in an energetic tidal channel in the presence of non-acoustic flow noise. Data quality is demonstrated by the ability to reduce non-acoustic flow noise contamination, while system utility is shown by the ability to characterize and localize sources of sound in the underwater environment.

Governments are increasingly turning toward public–private partnerships to bring industry support to improving public assets or services. Here, we describe a unique public–private collaboration where a government entity has developed mechanisms to support public and private sector advancement and commercialization of monitoring technologies for marine renewable energy. These support mechanisms include access to a range of skilled personnel and test facilities that promote rapid innovation, prove reliability, and inspire creativity in technology development as innovations move from concept to practice. The ability to iteratively test hardware and software components, sensors, and systems can accelerate adoption of new methods and instrumentation designs. As a case study, we present the development of passive acoustic monitoring technologies customized for operation in energetic waves and currents. We discuss the value of testing different systems together, under the same conditions, as well as the progression through different test locations. The outcome is multiple, complementary monitoring technologies that are well suited to addressing an area of high environmental uncertainty and reducing barriers to responsible deployment of low-carbon energy conversion systems, creating solutions for the future.