The Fixed point Open Ocean Observatory network (FixO3) seeks to integrate European open ocean fixed point observatories and to improve access to these key installations for the broader community. Handbook of best practices This handbook collects the “best practices” in all phases of the system covering the entire infrastructural chain of data acquisition. It includes recommendations on how to produce high quality data aiming towards common methodologies and protocols within the FixO3 network. Find out more Web: www.fixO3.eu Twitter: @fixO3Project FixO3 is a project financed by the European Commission through the 7th Framework Programme for Research, Grant Agreement 312463 Handbook of best practices This handbook collects the “best practices” in all phases of the system covering the entire infrastructural chain of data acquisition. It includes recommendations on how to produce high quality data aiming towards common methodologies and protocols within the FixO3 network. A work led by: L. Coppola, M. Ntoumas, R. Bozzano, M. Bensi, S. Hartman, M. Charcos Llorens, J. Craig Contributors: JF. Rolin, G. Giovanetti, D. Cano, J. Karstensen, A. Cianca, D. Toma, C. Stasch, S. Pensieri, V. Cardin, A. Tengberg, G. Petihakis, L. Cristini June 2016 This work has received funding from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement n. 312463, FixO3. Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................ 4 1. Observatories ...................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Platform types (CNR, IFREMER, INGV, IEO) ................................................................ 5 1.2.1 Mooring lines ........................................................................................................... 5 1.2.2 Buoy ........................................................................................................................ 9 1.2.3 Standalone seabed platforms ............................................................................... 14 1.2.4 Cabled observatories ............................................................................................ 15 1.2.5 Platform summary ................................................................................................. 16 1.3 Design structure (OGS, GEOMAR, PLOCAN) ............................................................ 17 1.3.1 Observing purpose: parameters to measure and sensors selection ..................... 17 1.3.2 FixO3 geographical location .................................................................................. 20 1.3.3 Mooring lines/anchoring systems .......................................................................... 22 1.3.4 Data access during deployment ............................................................................ 26 1.3.5 Energetic autonomy .............................................................................................. 31 2. Pre-Deployment procedures (NOC, HCMR, CNRS, UPC) ............................................... 33 2.1 Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 33 2.1.1 Maintenance on site .............................................................................................. 33 2.1.2 Maintenance on land ............................................................................................. 34 2.1.3 Instrument maintenance ........................................................................................ 35 2.2 Corrosion prevention ................................................................................................... 36 2.3 Biofouling prevention ................................................................................................... 37 2.4 Sensors configuration/Installation ................................................................................ 38 2.4.1 Observatory payloads ........................................................................................... 38 2.4.2 Sampling scheme .................................................................................................. 39 2.4.3 Sensors validation/calibration ............................................................................... 40 3. Deployment and recovery (OGS, IFREMER, Univ. Aberdeen, UPC) ............................... 50 3.1 Means .......................................................................................................................... 50 3.1.1 Means for mooring and buoys ............................................................................... 50 3.1.2 Means for seabed observatories ........................................................................... 52 3.2 Deployment- recovery procedures ............................................................................... 53 3.2.1 R/V operations ...................................................................................................... 54 3.2.2 Tests prior to deployment ...................................................................................... 54 3.2.3 Deployment procedures ........................................................................................ 55 2 3.2.4 Recovery procedure .............................................................................................. 57 3.3 Inspection/maintenance (servicing) ............................................................................. 57 3.3.1 ROV operations ..................................................................................................... 57 3.3.2 Divers operations .................................................................................................. 58 4. Post-deployment procedures (CNRS, IEO, CNR, INGV) .................................................. 59 4.1 Data transfer ................................................................................................................ 59 4.1.1 Real time vs delayed mode ................................................................................... 60 4.1.2 Data post processing ............................................................................................ 60 4.2 Emergency procedures ................................................................................................ 61 5. Quality control procedures and data correction (CNRS, GEOMAR) ................................. 61 5.1. Quality control ............................................................................................................. 61 5.1.1 Quality flag ............................................................................................................ 61 5.1.2 Processing level .................................................................................................... 62 5.2 Data correction ............................................................................................................ 63 5.2.1 Oxygen data correction ......................................................................................... 63 5.2.2 Nitrate data correction ........................................................................................... 67 5.2.3 Field data correction of pCO2 optodes .................................................................. 68 5.2.4 Data correction summary ...................................................................................... 70 6. Future directions (Univ. Aberdeen, 52North, UPC) ........................................................... 71 6.1 Sensor web enablement .............................................................................................. 71 6.1.1 Sensor web ........................................................................................................... 71 6.1.2 SWE information models ....................................................................................... 72 6.1.3 SWE web services ................................................................................................ 73 6.1.4 SWE applications .................................................................................................. 74 6.1.5 Perspectives for ocean observatories ................................................................... 74 6.2 Other fields of improvement ......................................................................................... 75 Appendix A. Glossary ............................................................................................................ 76 Appendix B. Observatory Instrument Data Sheet ............................................................... 111 Appendix C Materials .......................................................................................................... 117 Annex - McLane sediment traps maintenance 3 Executive Summary This handbook describes the principles of “Best Practices” in all phases of the system (pre- deployment test, maintenance, calibration etc.) covering the entire infrastructural chain of data acquisition from sensor (performance, robustness, accuracy, etc.) to supporting system (cabling, electric and electronic components, etc.). As this growing field of marine research gains momentum, many in the community, including representatives of coordinated research projects,