Ythan Estuary Monitoring Buoy
Introduction
The Ythan Estuary in Aberdeenshire was designated a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone in 2002. The designation resulted from the presence of algal mats on the intertidal area which are indicative of enrichment with nitrates. Regulations to limit the application and use of fertiliser were implemented following this designation. Nitrates are retained in the soil for some time so long term monitoring is required to assess the effectiveness of these regulations in reducing nitrate inputs.
Since early 2009 continuous monitoring equipment has been deployed in the Ythan estuary at Newburgh to measure changes in salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll. The equipment is suspended from a buoy managed in conjunction with Aberdeen University's Oceanlab group. Oceanlab staff collect physical samples for analysis of nutrients and chlorophyll on a weekly basis to help us better understand the affect of these inputs into the Ythan estuary.
Current observations:
The buoy collects data at 30 minutes intervals and the data are displayed as daily averages.
Data requests
Further information regarding Aberdeen University Oceanlab can be found via the following link http://www.oceanlab.abdn.ac.uk/research/ythanmon.php
If you require any further information regarding our monitoring buoys please direct your enquiries via email.
Disclaimer
The monitoring buoy data is gathered by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to help it fulfil its statutory duties. We publish it online because we recognise that this information may also be useful for others, but we cannot guarantee its currency or availability. The majority of our buoys do not have remote telemetry and so data availability is subject to monthly downloads when the buoys undergo maintenance.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, neither Scottish Environment Protection Agency, nor its employees or agents can be held responsible for any inaccuracies or omissions, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. All data should be regarded as provisional and may be subject to later revision.