The German University of Bremen and the German Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) have successfully deployed two scientific deep-sea moorings (called EB-1 and EB-3) at Goban Spur off the southwestern Irish shelf, similar to those deployed in 2016 and again last year.
The deep-sea moorings, which were deployed between 24 and 25 May, will stay in the water for a period of about 13-14 months (to June/July 2020).
Both have been anchored by ~1,000kg bottom weights. Scientific instruments are attached at different depths to ropes and chains. Sub-surface floatation bodies will keep the moorings upright.
The location of the deep-sea moorings is detailed in Marine Notice No 16 of 2019, a PDF of which is available to read or download HERE.
As this is sensitive scientific equipment, it is kindly requested that fishermen and marine operators engaged in such activities as bottom trawling or laying of static gear avoid the locations concerned to avoid damaging the equipment or damaging fishing gear.
None of the moorings has a surface element or surface buoy. The shallowest elements are located at depths of 700m (mooring EB-1) and 500m (mooring EB-3).
Top elements and floatation bodies have orange or yellow colours. The top elements of mooring EB-1 carries a flag.
Both moorings are equipped with radio and Iridium/Argos beacons that only signal, once the top element is at the surface.
