High-precision oceanographic monitoring for the protection of high-value marine ecosystems
MSM Ocean has designed, manufactured and supplied four EBM24OC-SAS oceanographic buoys as part of the project “Installations, Signalling and Monitoring of Marine and Terrestrial Natural Areas of the L’Empordà Natural Parks”, promoted by the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition and managed by Infraestructures.cat of the Government of Catalonia.
The project is being implemented in two areas of outstanding ecological value:
Both sites represent highly biodiverse marine ecosystems whose preservation requires technological tools capable of providing reliable and continuous environmental information.
An environmental challenge requiring advanced oceanographic monitoring
The L’Empordà Natural Parks are facing increasing pressures resulting from climate change, human activity and oceanographic variability.
In this context, the public administration identified the need to:
- Obtain real-time meteorological, oceanographic and environmental data
- Develop robust predictive models
- Detect anomalies at an early stage
- Support decision-making based on scientific evidence
To address this challenge, an autonomous, robust and scientifically validated oceanographic solution was required, capable of operating in sensitive natural environments while minimizing human intervention.
MSM Ocean contributed its expertise in the design and integration of ODAS (Oceanographic Data Acquisition Systems), developing a solution tailored to the technical and environmental requirements of the project.
EBM24OC-SAS buoy installed in Cap de Creus Natural Park
Project scope and MSM Ocean’s role
The initiative includes several actions aimed at environmental protection and restoration, such as the installation of signaling buoys, temporary nurseries for fauna regeneration and underwater structures for the recovery of benthic species.
In this first phase, MSM Ocean carried out the design, manufacture and supply of four ODAS oceanographic buoys identified as:
- B-02 and B-013 – Cap de Creus Natural Park
- B-18 and B-19 – Montgrí, Illes Medes i Baix Ter Natural Park
Installation was completed in November 2025, with the participation of ICATMAR (Catalan Institute for Research on Marine Governance) and MSM Ocean technicians.
Installation of the EBM24OC-SAS oceanographic buoys in the L’Empordà Natural Parks – Photo courtesy of ICATMAR
Comprehensive monitoring of the marine environment
The installed buoys enable real-time measurement and transmission of:
- Meteorological data (wind speed and direction, air temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity)
- Wave data (wave height, wave period, wave direction)
- Water quality data (conductivity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity as additional parameter on buoy B-19)
- Current data (current direction, current speed, water column temperature)
This instrumentation provides a comprehensive view of the physical and environmental behavior of the protected marine environment, enabling data-driven management.
Installation of an EBM24OC-SAS buoy in Cap de Creus Natural Park
High-precision scientific instrumentation
The EBM24OC-SAS buoys incorporate advanced sensor technologies:
- Gill Instruments meteorological station
- AML Oceanographic multiparameter probe with environmentally friendly UV antifouling system
- Nortek Aquadopp 400 kHz ADCP acoustic current profiler (up to 90 m depth)
- Seaview Systems wave sensor
The combination of these instruments ensures continuous, reliable and scientifically robust measurements, aligned with international oceanographic monitoring standards.
EBM24OC-SAS oceanographic buoy moored – Photo courtesy of ICATMAR
Data transmission system and scalable digital architecture
The collected data are transmitted in real time via GPRS communications to the ICATMAR control center for analysis and study.
The system operates through software developed by MSM Ocean based on the MQTT protocol, offering:
- Modular and scalable architecture
- Highly reliable real-time data delivery
- Bidirectional communications for remote commands
- Modern API for integration with external systems
This approach ensures interoperability, security and future scalability, facilitating integration with scientific platforms and environmental management systems.
Structural design optimized for protected natural environments
The supplied buoys correspond to the EBM24OC-SAS model, specifically designed for demanding applications in sensitive environments.
Structural features:
- 2.4 m diameter float made of solid closed-cell polyethylene foam sheet coated with pigmented elastomer polyurethane
- High impact absorption and virtually unsinkable design
- Enclosed aluminum superstructure
- Autonomous power system with 7 solar panels
- MBL16 standalone lantern (5 nautical miles effective range)
- Hybrid mooring system
Crane vessel operation for the installation of the EBM24OC-SAS oceanographic buoy – Photo courtesy of ICATMAR
SAS System (Sensors Access from Surface)
The double SAS system integrated into the float allows:
- Sensor access from the surface
- Maintenance of submerged sensors without removing the buoy
- Additional protection of the instrumentation
- Reduced operational costs
In projects located in protected natural areas, where minimizing intervention is a strategic requirement, this system provides a significant operational advantage.
Environmental monitoring as a tool for sustainable governance
The installation of these oceanographic buoys represents a major step forward toward data-driven management of the L’Empordà Natural Parks.
The information generated will enable:
- Analysis of the evolution of critical environmental parameters
- Early detection of anomalies
- Climate change scenario modelling
- Optimization of conservation and restoration strategies
This project further strengthens MSM Ocean’s position as a trusted technological partner in advanced oceanographic monitoring solutions for public administrations and research institutions, combining technological innovation, environmental commitment and collaboration with the scientific community.
Installation works of the EBM24OC-SAS oceanographic buoys in the L’Empordà Natural Parks – Photo courtesy of ICATMAR
