Buoys recently placed in waters offshore from Port Aransas provide real-time data about waves, weather and water quality.
The University of Texas Marine Science Institute shared in a Sept. 16 news release that it has expanded its coastal observing network. Environmental and oceanographic data from three buoys is now available online at utmsi.utexas.edu/currents-weather, updated every 30 minutes.
“These buoys provide valuable information for everyone from scientists and emergency managers to fishermen, boaters, and coastal residents,” Sharon Herzka, University of Texas Marine Science Institute director and associate professor, said in the news release. “By making the data publicly available, we’re creating a resource that supports research, safety, and resilience along the Texas coast.”
Measurements include wave height, wave period, wave direction, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, water temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen, according to the news release.
These measurements are useful for a variety of purposes form boating and maritime safety to coastal research and management, according to the news release. Data on wave conditions is relevant for mariners, anglers, surfers and offshore operators.
“Wave measurements support assessments of rip-current potential and are essential for navigation safety,” the news release states.
Additionally, the real-time data could help inform decision-making during tropical storms, hurricanes, coastal flooding events and environmental incidents such as oil spills.
Two buoys are located north of the north jetty on San Jose Island, about 2.5 miles offshore in about 40 feet of water. One includes a hydrophone to record ocean sounds. The underwater microphone generates a sound-frequency spectrogram that could record spawning events for sound-producing fish like red drum and spotted sea trout.
A third buy is located about 30 miles offshore in 130 feet of water.
The nearshore and offshore stations will allow researchers to compare conditions and monitor how waves, winds and water properties change, according to the news release.
The buoy network was supported with state funds provided through the University of Texas and by H-E-B.
The institute’s website also includes two live cameras documenting conditions in the Port Aransas ship channel.
Olivia Garrett reports on education and community news in South Texas. Contact her at olivia.garrett@caller.com.