This nearshore sensor (nss_wqspp_006) operated between December 18, 2019 and November 6, 2020. It was located at Ngaremlengui dock along the Chometubet River in the village of Ngermetengel on the west coast of the island of Babeldaob in the Republic of Palau. The sensor package was originally mounted to the dock at approximately 1 meter depth but was later redeployed at approximately 2 meters depth on October 8, 2020. Data were recorded every 8 or 10 minutes.

Instrument site and nearby surroundings.

The PacIOOS Water Quality Sensor Partnership Program (WQSPP) supports scientists and natural resource managers to collect water quality data in order to inform research, conservation, planning, and resource management projects in the U.S. Insular Pacific region. Comprised of a network of “roving” water quality nearshore sensors, the WQSPP provides participating partners with sensors, data management, and technical capacity-building to allow for robust data collection.

The Forest and Watershed Restoration Program of the Ebiil Society of Palau replanted vegetative cover in an upland development area above the dock and adjacent river. As part of the WQSPP, the Ebiil Society deployed this PacIOOS nearshore water quality sensor to monitor sediment run-off in the downstream and reef area and thereby assess the success of the revegetation efforts. Owned and maintained by PacIOOS under the supervision of Dr. Margaret McManus and lab.

Location of the nearshore sensor and the restoration site.