Project M3.3.B/ORG.R.C./014/C/2024

This event aims to share knowledge regarding data acquisition equipment and functionality (spatial, visual and acoustic) in order to optimize information acquisition procedures remotely, thus making it possible to increase scientific knowledge. With the demonstration to be carried out, the aim is to learn about the handling of this equipment, but it also seeks to detect possible improvements in operation in order to respond to the needs of acquiring specific data (e.g. for a species, taxonomic group, or at the level of habitat). The equipment will be tested in a real scenario, with data collection experiments and dissemination sessions and monitoring of scheduled expeditions. In the experiments carried out, it is planned to collect acoustic monitoring data from the marine sound environment in the south of São Miguel Island, which is very relevant in the current research context. It will also be possible to test a new methodology to support recording the occurrence of non-indigenous and/or invasive species. The WAVES’24 workshop aims to promote interaction between science, technology and companies, boosting innovation and collaboration in the Azores. The objectives of the second edition of this event are aligned with the most recent Research and Innovation Strategy for Intelligent Specialization of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (RIS3 Azores 2022-2027), specifically, in the priority area of ​​“Sea and Blue Growth”, and in cross-sectional area of ​​“Digital transformation and economy 4.0”. Through the introduction and demonstration of advanced technologies such as AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and drift buoys for remote monitoring, a significant contribution is made to the acquisition of information about the marine environment of the Azores. One can refer, in particular, to species and habitats, as well as potential impacts arising from human activity, testing systems for receiving remote sensing navigation and positioning data, in this case, also in the underwater environment. Thus, this initiative reinforces the Region's positioning as a place for innovation and oceanographic research, and as an intercontinental platform for knowledge about the oceans. On the other hand, collaborative relationships between entities from different sectors and the implementation of innovative activities or processes related to the sea are still encouraged. On this occasion, representatives from several research centers (CIBIO - UAC, OKEANOS - UAC, IS2E and INESCTEC) and companies linked to the sea and technology (Futurismo Azores Adventures, Best Spot Azores Dive Center, and Grupo Finançor, Trisolaris, among others) will be present. ). The multidisciplinary discussion, providing different perspectives and challenges from different participants, will allow testing the use of technologies and carrying out data collection experiments in real scenarios, with the potential to improve practices in both industry and science, including marine monitoring, the exploration of emerging areas in the Region such as aquaculture or promoting more responsible practices in the use of maritime space based on monitoring results.

The second edition of the WAVES workshop aims to bring the scientific and business community of the Azores closer to the opportunities brought by new technologies, namely the use of underwater equipment to respond to the multiple challenges present in this Outermost and Island Region. In this edition, several case studies of pressing relevance to the Azorean ecosystem will be presented, such as the monitoring of invasive species and the monitoring of cetaceans, with emphasis on the assessment of potential acoustic impacts. The presentation of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV - Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) and drift buoys for monitoring, will complement the approach of the first edition of the event with the use of ROVs, and, in this way, expand the range of opportunities that these technologies bring to science and industry in the Azores. The possibility of underwater georeferencing stands out for this edition. It will be possible to demonstrate the operating capabilities of the AUV MARES, an autonomous torpedo-shaped underwater vehicle, which allows the installation of several modules that offer greater adaptability in the placement of sensors, including mapping sonars and navigation systems; and drift buoys for remote monitoring. Throughout the workshop, the specific needs of local entities and researchers will also be discussed, regarding the optimized functions of this type of remote equipment, presenting opportunities for the application of these technologies in different contexts. The event also aims to strengthen partnerships between scientific and business entities, contributing to the use of intelligent technologies in the context of the marine environment.