RDP chosen to capture kelp data

The National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research of New Zealand is studying the effect that tidal waves have on the kelps found in the country's coastal waters.

The National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research of New Zealand is studying the effect that tidal waves have on kelps - the huge seaweed-type marine plants that are found in New Zealand's coastal waters.

Some specimens weigh in at 70kg and have fronds extending to over 10m in length, and with 'roots' so strong that it is easier to chip the rock surround away than cut the plant to remove a specimen, they can survive enormous waves and very harsh conditions.

As research director Dr Craig Stevens explains, "Kelp species play a vital role in the ecology of the sea shore, as its substantial biomass affects the entire web of life in the region.

While there is a long history of understanding the fundamentals of the plant's biology, little is known about how they physically survive in an incredibly harsh environment".

The NIWA team chose RDP to supply sensors for the measurement phase of the project.

"We required LVDTs and load cells to operate underwater in harsh environments to get as much feedback data as possible", continued Stevens.

More than one supplier didn't want to know about such a 'strange' application, and even despite the global Internet economy, NIWA was repeatedly referred to local agents who didn't have the experience to help.

Stevens concluded: "RDP products met our requirements for waterproof, rugged and good resolution sensors and offered the best support".

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