A low-cost, three-dimensional and real-time marine
environment monitoring system, DatabuoyM with
connection to the internet
Kenneth K. K. Ku, Robin Bradbeer*, Paul Hodgson, Katherine Lam and Lam Yeung
Department of Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
City University Marine Science and Engineering Laboratory, Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park, Hong Kong
*email: eersbrad@cityu.edu.hk
Abstract- The monitoring of environmental parameters of
Hong Kong waters has usually been achieved by accumulating
collected data from single point sources just below the sea surface,
once or twice a month by the Hong Kong Environmental
Protection Department. There has also been some
experimentation involving data loggers placed on the seabed.
However all of the above data collecting methods produce only
historical datasets months or even years before such data is
processed and made available. For a timely response to changing
environmental conditions, it will be important that the data is
received and processed in real-time if there is going to be a quick
remedial action to changes.
City University has developed a low-cost system, Databuoy,
for collecting basic marine environmental parameters. This
system is equipped with up to 10 sensor packs suspended in
different depths in the water column under a floating buoy. Each
sensor pack measures a physical parameter such as temperature,
salinity or light intensity. All sensors, under each buoy, are
connected to a single multiplexer that is in turn connected to a PC
via a simple MODEM connection. The DataBuoy I system
consisted of a single buoy with a string of sensors underneath it.
The more advanced configuration, DataBuoy II, connect several
nearby DataBuoys together for a 3-D representation of the
measured parameters to be constructed from the data. The system
has four basic components, that is, the supporting structure, the
sensor packs and two levels of signal multiplexing and
transmission units. Connection to the internet and other systems
are then possible via this connection.
The application for this type of system extends beyond the
collection of field data. Real time water parameters exceeding
warnings, data processing involving the rate of change of
parameters and the control of marine area polluting equipment or
discharges via closed loop feedback connections are all possible.
I. INTRODUCTION
Long term monitoring programmes are necessary to measure
the success of marine parks. Reliable scientific data are
essential for sound management decisions, providing
information on what to manage, for what purpose, and in what
priority [1]. It is also important that the data is received in a
timely manor if there is going to be a quick response to any
changes [2].
The monitoring of the marine areas in Hong Kong has
traditionally been by the accumulation of data collected from
single point sources just below the sea surface, somewhere in
the water column, and on the seabed. In Hong Kong data is
typically collected once or twice a month in some locations by
978-1-4244-2126-8/08/$25.00 ©2008 IEEE
the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department [3].
There also has been some experimentation involving data
loggers placed on the seabed [4]. However all of the data
collection from the above methods produces historical data
statistics since it is months and sometimes years before this
data is processed and made available to those people who need
it.
In situ single point monitoring systems have been used to
collect marine water data for many years. This has also been
the case at Hoi Ha Wan with Sea-Bird units being deployed for
the purpose. Work carried out by the City University has been
the development and introduction of water column monitoring
with a system called DataBuoy I [5]. This unit multiplexed
data from up to 5 sensor packs suspended at different depths in
the water column under a floating buoy. Each sensor pack
measured temperature, salinity and light intensity, and fed the
result back to a multiplexer. The data was then sent through a
MODEM to a PC. The DataBuoy I system consisted of a
single buoy with a single string of sensors underneath it.
The concept of water column monitoring was expanded with
the design of DataBuoy II. This system allowed 10 sensor
packs to be placed under each floating buoy and also allowed
for the data from multiple buoys to be multiplexed together.
This in turn created an area-based monitoring system. Figure 1
shows the difference between the single point (Sea-Bird),
water column (DataBuoy I) and area monitoring (DataBuoy II)
systems.
The DataBuoy I system installed and in operation in the Hoi
Ha Wan Marine Park, collects shallow and deep water
temperature, salinity and light intensity. This data also allows
certain marine conditions to also be determined like shallow
water hypoxia (caused by low salinity at the surface over
several days) and the thermoclines/haloclines associated with
deeper water hypoxia conditions. There is currently an
expanded system designed for the proposed SoKos Marine
Park to monitor an LNG Regasification Plant proposed for this
area. This design has the provision to allow for a closed-loop
control; system to be employed, allowing for a maximum
utilization of the plant without exceeding environmental limits
set for the surrounding marine protected area.
Currently the American National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) has hundreds units similar to
DataBuoy in fixed locations (www.ndbc.noaa.gov) and
hundreds of others free drifting around the world t1U L
(www.aoml.noaa.gov/phod/dac/dacdata.html). These units
provide an enormous volume of data on marine areas nearby to
the USA and it's territories. It is interesting to note that there A. lifN qkkuilwiwi

are no fixed buoys in the South China Sea. This project would
make the same type of data, as NOAA is collecting, available 'ti
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for this area. There is little doubt that this data is important .... -41"Nmmpp-
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since this is highlighted by the fact that NOAA spends millions -mmom"mr-,
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of dollars on such projects annually. Furthermore as the results

of the recognized global weather changes start to take hold, on-
line data of this type will assist in monitoring the changes and
the rates of change in the marine environment, possibly
influencing decisions involving mitigation.
Dipov PC IMMSmPms

Single Point Fig. 2. Configuration of the Databuoy system.

DataBuoy 11

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Fig. 3. The network for DataBuoy I.
Area 13 Dimensionall
Fig. 1. The development of the 3D monitoring system.

II. MATERIALS AND METHOD

A. Figures and Tables
The DataBuoy I system is designed to be an intelligent data
collection system and multiplexing system surrounded by the
physical components necessary to protect the equipment.
Design of the system
There are four basic components; the supporting structure,
the sensor packs and two levels of signal multiplexing and
transmission units. Figures 2 and 3 show the whole system
layout. Figure 4 shows the individual field units.
The design is very straight forward with 15 DataBuoys, each Fig. 4. The Physical appearance of the DataBuoy I Unit on water surface at
with up to 10 sensor packs, connected to a level 2 master. The Hoi Ha Wan.
level 2 master multiplexes the data, allowing a single
connection to a PC. Connection to the internet and to other
systems are then possible via a single connection.

978-1-4244-2126-8/08/$25.00 ©2008 IEEE

 3. Multiplexing and Transmission Units.
There are two levels of signal multiplexing and switching
r required for the system. Sensor data is intelligently
multiplexed at each DataBuoy. This is the first level. The
second level multiplexes the DataBuoys output for input to a
single PC. Local display of the data, internet and connection
for open or closed loop feedback is then possible.
B. Data collection
The system would be able to display collected data graphically.
The system at Hoi Ha Wan has produced some interesting
results. Some graphs are shown in Figures 6 to 9.

Data collected by DataBuoy on 19 September 2006

30 -

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Fig. 5. Single DataBuoy I System layout.

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Time
The individual buoys consists of sensor packs and First Level Fig. 6. Typical Daily Temperature Result (September 2006).
multiplexing electronics to allow a single point to point
connection to get the data to the next stage - a Level 2 Master. Data collected by DataBuoy on 29 October 2006
1. Sensor supporting structure
The DataBuoy II has a floating buoy attached to ground tackle 25 -

via a chain. The Buoy and anchoring system are already 6 20 0

approved for use in a Marine Park. The Buoy is actually made G)
of recycled plastic. The ground tackle is a coral friendly , 15-
HELIX Sand Screw, so this device is also suitable for use in G)
0. -Surface
E 10-
coral areas. The Soko's Islands is surrounded by a sparse hard G) 1m Depth
ad soft coral community. Plate 1 shows the Buoy, Plate 2 5-
3m Depth
shows the top of a Helix. 5m Depth
2. The sensor packs 7m Depth
u
The sensor packs contain the electronics to actually measure
the water parameters and relay these to the multiplexer in the Time
floating part of the buoy (Level 1 Master).
The circuit diagrams for the sensors are proprietary and their Fig. 7. Temperature Changes on 29th October 2006
design is based on obtaining a reasonable accuracy. The
concept is to be able to duplicate the readings obtained by hand Data collected by DataBuoy on 29 October 2006
held instruments. 40
At this time temperature, salinity and light intensity are 35
recorded.
30
a. Temperature is in degrees Celsius (°C). Sensor accuracy is -.Surface
25
0.20 C; the reading is given in intervals of 0.50 C. I

1m Depth
> 20
b. Salinity is measured in parts per thousand (%o). The sensor ._S 3m Depth
can operate over the range 1%o to 50%o. Accuracy is 1%o. X 15
Display is in increment of 1%o. 10 5m Depth
c. Light is measured in lux over the range 0 2000. Accuracy is 5. 7m Depth
5-8%. Display is in increments of 10 lux. u I
a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
The sensor pack actually has 10 time slots for sensors, this a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
N N N N
a a

means another 7 sensors can be connected to each sensor pack.

T T T T T T T

Time of day
Fig. 8. Salinity Changes after rain on 29th October 2006

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 Data collected by DataBuoy Data collected by DataBuoy

40 40 -

11 Is;
30 30 -
/
0 25 -_Surface g 25-
-Surface
20 1 m Depth 20 lm Depth
._r>15
15 3m Depth uco 15 - 3m Depth
10 5m Depth 10 - 5m Depth
5 - 5- 7m Depth
7m Depth
u
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
5 hour intervals 5 hour Intervals
Fig. 9. Salinity Changes, Clam Weather after heavy rain Fig. 10. Salinity Changes, Rough Weather after heavy rain

The internet connection also offers a host of possibilities. It

Totally sealed unit
is possible for example to get the system automatically to send The field unit electronics are enclosed in totally watertight
emails if parameters are exceeded. containers. This allows them to be used in explosive
environments. There is no aluminium used in the surface buoy
Data Interpretation structure.
The actual data from each sensor is sent as a packet. There
The external mounting unit would be safe around methane
is a numeric based header that identifies the area, the buoy and
gas.
the sensor number under the buoy. One full set of sensor data
Real Time Monitoring
is sent with the header. Unconnected or faulty sensor data is The full data set, all sensor read, would take about one
sent as an obvious overflowed value. In order to overcome the minute. This essentially means that trends towards exceedance
problems associated with synchronized clocks and to keep the could be determined and a response taken to reverse the trend
majority of the system half duplex, data time stamps are added in order to avoid reaching an impact limit. This feature is
at the final data collection point. Since this system can send valuable in terms of the"
perception of environmental
data at rates of one set per second, the errors associated with compatibility" by offering the chance of no limits ever being
adding the time stamp at the final receiving location were exceeded.
considered negligible. Expandable
Currently the data received is being filtered to one sensor The DataBuoy system is expandable. If for some reasons,
data set per 5 seconds. This means that 86,400 (24 hours*60 more monitoring stations are needed in the future, say for
minutes* 12 per minute*5 sensors) data packets are sent every facility expansion, then this would be possible. The level 2
24 hour period from a single 5 sensor unit DataBuoyl. This master can support up to 25 DataBuoy field units.
will double to 172,800 packets per day with the DataBuoy II. Easy to maintain
Interpretation of the results and conditions within this data The system would be easy to maintain. Apart from the
volume is only possible after sophisticated data mining occasional de-fouling of the sensors and cables, almost no
techniques and filtering has been applied. It is easy to detect maintenance is required. De-fouling would be required once
and signal exceedances, but real time differentiation (dxldt) every 3-months.
and Fourier Analysis of sections or periods of data may be No Access or Restricted Access Areas covered
necessary for more complex analysis. Monitoring in dangerous, hazardous and security area is
III. DISCUSSION possible with DataBuoy. Apart from a one every 3 months
diver de-fouling exercise, no access is required for data
There are many benefits of using the DataBuoy system. collection.
Apart from having an automatic real-time marine monitoring The DataBuoy may also be fitted with hydrophones to also
system, open or closed loop, internet connection and many log boat activity near the buoy adding security feature in area
other useful features are possible. the buoys are installed.
A. Suitablefor a Marine Park Internet connection
The DataBuoy system was developed in the Hoi Ha Wan The DataBuoy system can be connected to the internet for
Marine Park. None of the supporting hardware needs to be
modified for installation in the Marine Park.
public display of the information collected. This effectively
makes the system very transparent. It can even initiate an
The Helix anchoring system is already approved for use in email notification of a situation.
and around coral areas and the floating buoy, shape, design, The displayed data on the internet looks very like similar to
colour and markings are accepted by the Marine Department. a weather station
display with graphs and dials (Figure 11).
The unit has damper proof features added.

978-1-4244-2126-8/08/$25.00 ©2008 IEEE

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Closed or open loop controlpossible
The data information may be totally opened, totally closed
or a switchable mixture if both.

of environmental conditions.
It may also make
recommendations as to an appropriate response to a specific set

For large process control, having the choice of totally

automatic or human filtered response systems depends upon
the type of process, and the possible impact of such systems on
the overall plant integrity.
IV. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This study is supported by the Environmental Conservation
Fund Grant 06/2006, Hong Kong Government of the Special
Administrative Region
V. REFERENCES
[1] Wells S.M. 1995. Science and management of coral reefs: problems and
prospects. Coral Reefs 14:177-81.A. Vetro, H. Sun, P. DaGraca, and T.
Poon, "Minimum drift architectures for three-layer scalable DTV
decoding, " IEEE Trans. Consumer Electron., vol. 44, no. 3, pp. 527-536,
Aug. 1998.
[2] CityU 2006. A proposal to for Coral Monitoring in the Hoi Ha Wan, Yan
Chau Tong and Tung Ping Chau Marine Parks. Unpublished proposal to
the Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong
(SAR) Government.
[3] EPD 2004. Marine & River Water Quality in Hong Kong in 2003. CD of
data issued by the Environmental Protection Department of the Hong
Kong (SAR) Government.
[4] Oceanway 2004. Oceanway Web site http://www.hkocl.com.
[5] CityU 2006. A Proposal to install an Oceanway DataBuoy I in the Hoi
Ha Wan Marine Park. Unpublished proposal to the Agricultural,
Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong (SAR) Government.

Fig. 11. The webpage showing the data collected by databuoy.

978-1-4244-2126-8/08/$25.00 ©2008 IEEE