Intertidal Sensor Array for Monitoring Ocean Change Stressors in Oyster Farms

This student team worked with a team of researchers at the NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC), the University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fisheries Science (SAFS), and Baywater Shellfish to develop a robust intertidal sensor array that can be deployed by shellfish growers to measure water quality parameters related to ocean change. The student team attempted to expand on capstone work from 2021/22 and work to produce data that can be used by growers to identify appropriate management strategies. The key parameters were temperature, pH, oxygen, salinity, and chlorophyll. To accomplish this, the student team worked to combine commercially available sensors with newly designed components that integrate data management, power supply, and wireless communication in a physically robust package that is intended to function in a harsh environment. The student team attempted to produce a functioning sensor array that they will field test in local shellfish farms. If successful, the array would provide reliable data at the target precision. The student team was also expected to write documentation of sensor design and operation, including deployment and maintenance S.O.P.s and sensor analysis software user manual.

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