CLASP Phase II: producing a Coastal Long-Term Automated Self-Calibrating Profiler Commercial Prototype

In our Phase I test, Green Eyes successfully demonstrated the feasibility of a Coastal Long-Term Automated Self-Calibrating Profiler (CLASP) system capable of autonomous operation for one year. The feasibility prototype also incorporated two-way telemetry and near real-time display of processed data. CLASP uses a profiling pump to deliver water to a flow-through multi probe sensor and additional instruments such as nutrient monitors. It provides for environmental control of the sampling and ¿stand by¿ sensor environments via a manifold system that enables automated delivery of standards, cleansers and biocides. Our innovative approaches to profiling, biofouling control, sensor cleaning, and automated calibration are the keys to this device and were successfully demonstrated during Phase I. We now propose to construct the CLASP commercial prototype, and to install it at a NOAA tidal station.