Advanced system supports harmony between ecology and activity
Langstone Harbour, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on England’s southern coast, has successfully implemented a state-of-the-art marine environmental monitoring solution from OceanWise.
Located between Portsmouth and Chichester, this Special Protection Area (SPA) is celebrated for its diverse wildlife and hosts activities ranging from commercial shipping and fishing to leisure boating. Managed by the Langstone Harbour Board, the new monitoring system ensures the harbour’s environmental health and sustainability, supporting the delicate balance between human activity and nature.
The ‘Port-Log’ solution provided by OceanWise, which includes tide and weather monitoring equipment alongside a cloud-based data platform, is already playing a crucial role in supporting the harbour’s operations and environmental stewardship. Not only is the new system supporting marine operations, but the data has been made public so that it can be viewed and utilized by all. The data can be easily viewed on any smart device, in real time by visiting the Langstone Harbour website in the ‘Real-time Weather and Tide’ section.
Understanding local tidal and wind conditions
Billy Johnson, harbour-master at Langstone Harbour, commented: “Understanding local tidal and wind conditions is a critical part of navigating safely in a shallow natural harbour like Langstone. Being able to share real-time data with our users, be they dinghy sailors or larger vessels under pilotage, will be a major step forward for us. I am genuinely pleased to be working with OceanWise and installing the Port-Log system, which will undoubtedly assist all harbour users and make our beautiful harbour a safer place to sail.”
The successful deployment of the environmental monitoring system is a key step in ensuring that Langstone Harbour can maintain its delicate balance of conservation and operational efficiency. Marine SSSI’s like Langstone Harbour are protected for their biodiversity and unique habitats, making it essential to monitor and manage environmental conditions effectively.
Effective environmental monitoring is essential for tracking the ever-changing dynamics of marine environments, from tidal shifts and weather patterns to water quality and pollutants. With the newly installed OceanWise Port-Log system, harbour operators gain real-time access to detailed environmental data, enabling them to take proactive measures, safeguard ecosystems and confidently comply with environmental regulations.
Long-term environmental monitoring
The cloud-based Port-Log platform allows operators to monitor critical data anytime, anywhere – whether in the office or on the water. Beyond supporting daily harbour operations, the platform plays a vital role in long-term environmental monitoring, enabling research, informing policies and driving more sustainable marine management for the future.
This successful installation marks the beginning of a new era for Langstone Harbour, as the monitoring system will continue to provide essential data for informed decision-making and environmental protection. OceanWise is committed to supporting marine sites such as Langstone Harbour by providing solutions that help monitor the environment.
