Support from SA Water’s Community Partnerships Program has led to the Australian Ocean Laboratory (AOL) opening a new underwater project off the coast of Southern Yorke Peninsula in which marine lovers from around the world can now catch a unique underwater glimpse of the ocean.
The not-for-profit Adelaide-based AOL recently installed an underwater camera providing a real-time vision of the reef and the marine life that calls the region home.
Manager of AOL, Catherine Larkin said the window into the underwater world offered the community the chance to connect with nature in real time and deliver valuable information for experts in the field.
“Technology, such as the camera in place underneath the Edithburgh jetty, can be used as a tool to bring people together and foster a deeper appreciation for the unique marine environment we all share here in South Australia,” Ms Larkin said.
She said additional technologies installed would collect long-term sea surface temperature data crucial for understanding the complex and dynamic systems of the ocean.
“The data provides valuable insights into the effects of climate change, weather patterns, ocean circulation, and the distribution of marine life,” Ms Larkin said.
“It’s a critical tool for improving weather forecasting, managing marine resources and making informed decisions about conservation and coastal planning,” she said.
“Understanding the relationships between sea surface temperature and these interconnected systems can better protect and preserve our ocean for future generations.”
General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation at SA Water, Nicola Murphy said the project was an innovative and interactive way to help maintain ocean health.
“We are proud to partner with Australian Ocean Laboratory on this exciting initiative, delivering a new way to showcase the state’s natural environment to a global audience while simultaneously achieving positive outcomes for the health of our waterways,” Ms Murphy said
The live feed now beneath the Edithburgh jetty can be visited via this PS News link.
