BIOS researchers visited the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) to conduct real-environment tests of the iMERMAID’s innovative oil sensor technology. This activity is part of Use Case 4, dedicated to the development and validation of multisource monitoring solutions in the Mediterranean Sea.

During the two-week mission at Larnaca Marina, St. Raphael Marina, and an offshore location 2 km from St. Raphael, the team successfully integrated the oil sensor into the CMMI monitoring buoy and carried out a series of in-situ trials to evaluate its performance under real sea conditions.

The primary objective of the visit was to assess the feasibility of continuous oil-pollution monitoring using IMERMAID’s sensor technology mounted on a fixed buoy. Trials were conducted in controlled marina environments as well as in open-water conditions near the deployed buoy.

The tests aimed to confirm:

  • Whether the sensor could withstand marine conditions and deliver stable readings
  • How the device responded to environmental factors such as salinity, currents, and natural organic matter
  • The operational challenges involved in mounting, powering, and maintaining the instrument on a floating platform

The successful installation and operation of the sensor on the buoy demonstrated that full integration into marine monitoring infrastructure is technically achievable.

Oil contamination remains a major threat to marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity, coastal economies, and human health. Under Use Case 4, IMERMAID seeks to advance innovative approaches that combine cutting-edge sensors, satellite data, and real-time analysis to support early detection and effective response strategies.

This testing phase is particularly valuable for the project’s long-term ambitions. The team gained crucial insights into:

  1. Mechanical and structural improvements needed for long-term buoy integration
  2. Calibration adjustments required for stable and accurate readings
  3. Environmental variables that influence sensor sensitivity and data quality
  4. Operational considerations for deployment, maintenance, and data transmission

These learnings will guide future engineering refinements and help bring the instrument closer to commercial readiness.