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Marine R-D

Simrad answers user requests for sound and enhanced noise filtering

A new software update for Simrad’s flagship SX90 Sonar introduces audio output, enhanced noise filtering and a number of minor software fixes. The new software is flagged as an important update and is available free-of-charge from Simrad dealers. Once installed, users need only to connect a pair of powered speakers to the SX90 computer to take full advantage of the new audio functionality.

The Simrad SX90 is a low frequency, high-definition, long range sonar. It uses two high-end computers to process data from the transducer, making it the most powerful Simrad sonar ever released. It is also the most powerful professional commercial sonar on the market today, which is reflected in the fact that over 120 SX90s have been sold since its introduction.

Putting a value on Ireland’s ocean economy

By Michael O’Toole and Jenny O’Leary,
Sea Change Management Unit, Marine Institute

Knowledge and information on socio-economics aspects of the Irish marine sector are essential to identify opportunities for future development, growth and competitiveness.

In 2005 the Marine Institute published Ireland’s first economic report for the marine sector as part of its Foresight Series (Ireland’s Ocean Economy and Resources) and in preparation for the development of Sea Change: A marine Knowledge, Research & Innovation Strategy for Ireland 2007-2013.

The report estimates that the marine sector is worth ~€3bn to the Irish economy and supports approximately 44,000 jobs.

INFOMAR Update

The INFOMAR Project– Ireland’s national marine mapping programme – has completed its first survey of 2009, in the Shannon Estuary.

The programme, jointly managed by the Geological Survey of Ireland and the Marine Institute, is funded under the NDP and focussed on mapping the inshore waters and bays not surveyed under the Irish National Seabed Survey.

Mapping in the Shannon Estuary covered over 110km.sq and was completed under challenging conditions as the area is an SAC for dolphins, requiring restrictions on operations. Attenuation studies however carried out with the multibeam sonar system used on the Marine Institute’s Celtic Voyager in advance of the work commencing demonstrated that the system operates outside the range of hearing or potential damage to the various cetaceans known in the area.