Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Press Release
2nd March 2009
WaveNet buoy launched off coast of South Uist
Lobbying from the Middle District and Iochdar Flood Action Groups as well as CoastHebrides has finally paid off with the successful launch last week of an additional WaveNet buoy situated around 50 kms to the west of South Uist.
Directional Waveriders, the type of buoy deployed, measure wave height, period and direction, and sea temperature. The information is transmitted via satellites direct to Cefas, who manage WaveNet, and takes about 30 minutes to be received.
The buoy, one of four new buoys launched in Scotland’s waters will aid the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in its development of coastal flood forecasting and warning. The buoys will also aid SEPA in building historical records of the wave climate around Scotland.
Murdo MacKenzie, of the Middle District Action Group, said: “The terrible storm which struck Uist January 2005, formed a tidal wave which cost five precious lives and caused great damage to the coastline. The provision of these wavebuoys off the West coast of the Islands will not prevent further storms, but will give us much needed warning to help prevent such human tragedies occurring again. SEPA, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Scottish Government are to be greatly commended for their part in providing this new tier of warning data provision.”
Since the devastating storm of January 2005 which caused considerable damage and loss of life, it became apparent that there was a lack of reliable scientific and technical data concerning wave and tidal conditions off the west coast of the Hebrides. This observation has been endorsed by a number of prominent experts in coastal processes and meteorological forecasting.
Archie K. Campbell, CoastHebrides chairman, said: “The data and information being produced by the buoys, and by projects such as the South Ford Hydrodynamic Study, will contribute to the future management of the risk to people, land and property posed by coastal flooding and erosion on vulnerable areas of the coast.”
The data produced by WaveNet are available in near real time and can be viewed by the public on the internet at http://www.cefas.co.uk/data/wavenet.aspx.
. . . . . . .
Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ruairidh Maciver
Communications Assistant
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822615 (Work)
Tel: 07881 774601 (Mobile)
email: ruairidh.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk
