Development of Real-time Oceanographic Information System using Platforms of Aquaculture Farms

Real-time oceanographic information system was developed using platforms of aquaculture farms to examine causes of mass mortality of hatchery fishes, and to reduce the damage of mass mortality which has been occurred frequently off coast by abnormal change of ocean conditions. The system had the advantages of direct data distribution to fishermen at the farm and instant maintenance of equipments due to easy access to the farms and residents at the farms in comparison with offshore mooring buoy system. To avoid discontinued measurement of the system, repairs caused by malfunction of equipments, bimonthly preventive maintenances and daily monitoring of measured data were systematized. Confidence intervals calculated by a statistical method using accumulated data were applied to data management. Such activities could minimize discontinuance of measurement and keep information more trustful. In addition, the system has various ways of data distribution. Through homepage and e-mail in the internet, information was provided to public. Display units which were connected to equipments at the farm gave the measured data directly to fishermen, which guided them to run their farm scientifically. Finally large display unit was installed at a fish market and showed the measured data at the nearest station with tide and weather information. Proper region for aquaculture and wintering region were studied using temperature data obtained by the system in 2006. The system will contribute to reduce economic damage of coastal fishery and to understand coastal marine environment.