Tritech Launches Renewables Mammal Detection System
Wednesday, 08 June 2011
Tritech
launched its Gemini SeaTec Mammal Detection System at the All-Energy
show in Aberdeen, UK. Gemini SeaTec is a mammal detection system which
provides a valuable tool in the detection of marine life around subsea
turbines. Tritech’s subsea sonars have been deployed on marine current
structures since 2008 when the company made its first step into the
offshore renewables sector.
The
Gemini SeaTec system uses Tritech’s industry standard Gemini 720id
multibeam sonar and its image detection software. This innovative
software subsequently provides an early warning of the presence of sea
mammals in the vicinity of marine current turbine structures. The Gemini
SeaTec provides real-time monitoring of marine wildlife, allowing the
operator to take corrective action as required. The logged data can be
stored for analysis and used for environmental assessment as part of the
current turbine development process.
The
Gemini SeaTech is currently installed on SeaGen, a tidal turbine, in
Strangford Lough, County Down, Northern Ireland. Tritech has worked
closely with the commercial arm of the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU
Ltd) at St. Andrews University and tidal energy company Marine Current
Turbines (MCT) to help develop the Gemini SeaTec system.
Dr
Gordon Hastie, at SMRU Ltd, comments: “As part of our continuing role
providing research and advice to the tidal stream energy industry, we
have been monitoring data produced using Tritech’s sonar systems and in
the last 3 years they have played a very important role in protecting
marine mammals from any potential threats. We are currently
investigating the next generation of marine mammal detection sonar
technology using Tritech’s advanced multibeam techniques and we hope
that these will allow operators to monitor and mitigate potential
threats to marine mammals far more efficiently than was possible in the
past. These automated sonar tools are likely be essential for the
continued protection of marine life during current turbine
developments.”
Further
applications for Gemini SeaTec include; survey of pre/ post cable lay
survey operations, subsea monitoring and inspection and scour
monitoring.
Ocean Energy News 
