Marine / Research buoy washes up in Fetlar after journey across the Atlantic
A RESEARCH buoy which tracks ocean currents has washed up in Fetlar after travelling more than 3,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean.
And the company which makes the gadget is looking for help in retrieving it.
The buoy was deployed off Newfoundland on the east coast of Canada in July last year after starting its journey in Maine. It is produced by US company Maker Buoy.
The buoy, used for scientific purposes, has GPS tracking and satellite communications so its owner is able to pinpoint where it is.
The company’s Wayne Pavalko, from Maryland, said: “The ‘Maker Buoy’ is a simple, open source design.
“Over 300 of them have been produced for use by researchers and educators.
“This customer buoy left the US last summer and was deployed off Newfoundland in July. Made its way on the prevailing currents over the past 10 months. It came ashore in Fetlar in mid-April.”
He described the buoy as a “modern day message in a bottle”.
“If recovered, it can be shipped back and put back into service monitoring ocean currents,” Pavalko said.
Other buoys deployed by the company have also come ashore in Ireland and the Hebrides.
Can you help retrieve the buoy in Fetlar? Get in touch with Maker Buoy’s Wayne Pavalko through makerbuoyshop@gmail.com for more information.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.