The Hermes Lander project - the technology, the data, and the evaluation of concept and results

Abstract

This report summarizes technology, operations, experience, and scientific results from the Hermes Lander project. The Project established an autonomous, multi-sensor, sub-sea sensor platform powered by batteries. The platform was launched at a coral reef location in Hola off Vesterålen and collected data during seven months in 2010 (March – September). Oceanographic and echo-sounder data were analyzed and compared with similar data from sporadically collected data from research vessels as well as model-produced data. The results demonstrate a partly chaotic variation. The project neither confirmed nor excluded a connection between coral reef and biomass density. The data and experience are crucial for efficient planning, development, and operation of the planned Statoil-financed cable observatory in the same area.