Originally published by PacIOOS 

In collaboration with 500 Sails and Pacific Coastal Research and Planning (PCRP), two new Backyard Buoys were deployed in Saipan! The buoys were deployed off Sugar Dock and Akino Reef using traditional canoes. These spotter buoys are a major step forward for ocean safety and maritime awareness around the islands. PCRP Associate Director Robbie Greene explains “The buoys are kind of like a weather station for the ocean.” The ocean data provided by the buoys will help the community make informed decisions before navigating local waters. To see the data from the Saipan buoys, and from other Backyard Buoys deployed throughout the Pacific, download the Backyard Buoys app here.

[Photo: 500 Sails crew and canoe with Sugar Dock buoy onboard. Credit: Rob Jordan]