Autonomous upward-looking echosounder wanted in Wales

Bangor University is looking for a supplier of an autonomous upward-looking echosounder, which will be deployed as part of the Seacams 2 marine renewable energy research project in Wales.

The university is seeking to purchase the echosounder as it is carrying out research into the ecology of marine renewable energy development sites that are often areas of prevailing wave exposure, high tidal current velocities and turbulence, and range from 30 to 100m in depth.

The device will be deployed on the seabed in these locations and provide data that will allow for species/faunal group identification and establish their depth distribution over periods of two weeks and more.

Bangor University said it has experienced ocean science instrument technical staff and a 35m research vessel to facilitate the use and deployment of the upward-looking echosounder.

Tenders can be submitted by noon on April 11 and the contract is expected to be awarded around April 19.

The Seacams 2 project is aimed at accelerating the development of Welsh marine energy industry. Through the project, companies looking to harness the sea’s power and create a sustainable marine energy industry in Wales will be able to access vital research support to progress with their multi-million pound developments.

The £17 million three-year project, backed with £12 million from the Welsh government last year, is managed by Bangor University along with partners at Swansea University.