The NRP Andrómeda hydrographic vessel and crew recently assisted the Hydrographic Institiute by collecting a ‘wave buoy’ located in the protected marine area of the Selvagens (Savage) islands. The buoy which has been in situ for two years has been used to detect and collect several specimens of encrusted invertebrates.
On their arrival to Funchal the collected samples were taken to the Funchal Natural History Museum for identification. Once the identification process is completed, the samples will be added to the museum’s scientific collections.
The Portuguese Navy plays an active role within the regions marine biodiversity, thus facilitating greater knowledge of the island’s marine life.
Wave Buoys are used to determine and measure surface water movement in what is known as a wave train. These wave trains provide and record information regarding wave height and direction.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
