Long-term underwater measurements are largely affected by the colonization of the probes.

This fouling process, which is fast (it takes only a few weeks until algae growth starts affecting chlorophyll-a- fluorescence measurement) has become a serious problem when you want to achieve consistent and reliable measurements.

Traditional control solutions, such as mechanical cleaning, are ineffective and costly in the long term due to the fast recolonization process, especially at stations than can be serviced only a few times a year.

Chemical antifouling using toxic antifouling agents such as tributyltin compounds (TBT), are highly toxic and environmentally aggressive and banned for its use since 2008 in EU-wide.

The use of UV light underwater offers a non-toxic solution to this problem.

The first-time used combination of underwater LED lights with optical lenses leads to an energy efficient, long life and low cost alternative to the control of fouling.

This game-changer solution, vital to scientific measurement operations, can also be applied in many other areas where underwater measurements play a major role, or in long- term operations that depend on battery power.

Mariscope, always at the forefront of environmentally responsible underwater technology, has obtained the license for serial production from IOW, the developer of this solution.

The UV lamps are delivered with a programing unit that allows individual programming of the light cycles and duration.