Oceanographic multisensor bouy
South of Askö, there has been a measuring buoy since 2014 that collects basic oceanographic data in real time. It is part of a network of similar buoys around the coast. The buoy is only sampling during ice-free conditions.
The buoy is located at the classic measuring station Askö B1 in Yttre Hållsfjärden, where researchers have been sampling water and sediment data since the 1960s. The coordinates are N58 48,118 degrees, E17 37,507 degrees.
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Until 2014, sampling was performed manually 24 times a year at B1.
Nowadays, the buoy continuously measures salinity, temperature, oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll and water flow in the surface water at a depth of one meter via GSM or satellite. In addition, temperature, salinity and oxygen are measured at several different depths down to the bottom. However, these results can not be broadcasted directly but are available as long time series that can be used by researchers.
The Askö Laboratory's measuring buoy was extended in 2016 with another sensor measuring pigment and dissolved organic material. That allows researchers to see which phytoplankton groups dominate the water mass which in turn creates a better basis for satellite image interpretation.
This is a huge step forward. Previously, we have been out and taken samples every other week in the summer. Of course, this means that you miss a lot.
Tina Elfwing, director of Stockholm University's Baltic Sea Centre.
Last updated: 2025-10-30
Source: Baltic Sea Centre