Overcoming the technical problems associated with effective coastal monitoring systems

Coastal and aquatic ecosystems contain a wealth of information that is largely untapped. Understanding the complex dynamics of marine environments will enable scientists to propose sound methods for how to better manage these valuable resources in a sustainable manner. Emerging wireless sensor network technologies are now providing marine scientists with tools to gather data on key ecological factors in ways never previously thought possible. However, various technical, commercial, and logistical factors make it difficult to effectively develop and utilize coastal monitoring technology. This paper examines the main issues associated with wireless sensor network technologies for use in coastal monitoring applications. It describes the challenges faced by the developers, the conflicting push and pull influences by vendors, and the logistical/operational issues for deploying sensor networks in harsh marine environments. We describe the lesions learnt from several real-world sensor network systems currently in use on the Great Barrier Reef, Deception Bay and Heron Island. The experience gained from these deployments can be used as a blue print for future coastal monitoring applications so that cheaper, more cost effective, and user-friendly systems will result. This will enable end users to better understand the sensitive ecological factors that effect these environments, without being burdened by the underlying technical detail