Acoustic monitors for dolphin survey

24 Dec 2021 / Shek Kwu Chau and Soko Islands, Hong Kong

With immediate effect and for a period of approximately 18 months, acoustic monitors will be temporarily established on the seabed in the following locations (WGS 84 Datum):

(A) 22° 11.447’N 113° 59.846’E

(B) 22° 10.399’N 113° 57.217’E

(C) 22° 09.510’N 113° 57.151’E

(D) 22° 09.509’N 113° 56.729’E

(E) 22° 09.773’N 113° 55.170’E

The acoustic monitor is an instrument for collecting dolphin data. It will be fixed to a cubic precast concrete block of 1.0 metre by 1.0 metre by 1.0 metre on the seabed. The total height of the acoustic monitor and the concrete block above the seabed will be about 2.0 metres. Laying of the acoustic monitors will be carried out by one derrick barge assisted by one tugboat and one work boat. A working area of approximately 50 metres around the derrick barge will be established. Yellow marker buoys fitted with yellow flashing lights will be laid to mark the positions of the anchors extending from the derrick barge.

Regular diving operations for inspecting and retrieving data from the acoustic monitors will be carried out by a work boat at the above locations from time to time. The hours of operations will be from 0800 to 1800 hours. No operations will be carried out on Sundays. Vessels engaged in the operations will display signals as prescribed in international and local regulations.

Vessels navigating in the vicinity should proceed with caution and keep clear of the locations at slow speed, bearing in mind there are divers working in the locations.

For information about operations in Hong Kong, contact GAC Hong Kong at [email protected]

Source: Government of the Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.224/2021

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