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Publication - Research and analysis

Marine environment science and research: The Brahan Project

Published
4 July 2014
Directorate
Marine Directorate
Topic
Marine and fisheries

The Brahan project (named after 17th century Scottish Brahan Seer reputed to have the gift of second sight, or “taibh-searachd”) is a unique project in the UK that delivers live information about the speed and direction of Scotland’s ocean currents. 

The Brahan project (named after 17th century Scottish Brahan Seer reputed to have the gift of second sight, or “taibh-searachd”) is a unique project in the UK that delivers live information about the speed and direction of Scotland’s ocean currents. Using high frequency radar technologies, ocean current information can be provided from a wide part of Scotland’s large marine area - up to 200km offshore.

The results, which are not currently available from existing methods, will help not only scientific research, but also with:

  • search and rescue
  • pollution control
  • offshore oil and gas sector
  • renewable energy sector
  • other users of the sea such as the fishing industry, yachting and shipping

This new example of ‘Operational Oceanography’ is currently used in the USA but this is the first UK installation and the Long Range SeaSonde HF Radar System, which has been manufactured in the USA, has been installed at two stations - one at North Ronaldsay lighthouse in Orkney and the other at Sumburgh Head lighthouse in Shetland.

This is a collaborative project lead by Marine Scotland Science with support from partners:

  • BP Exploration
  • UK-IMON
  • the Met Office
  • Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd
  • ICIT Heriot-Watt University
  • Qualitas Remos
  • CODAR Ocean Sensors

It is intended that tidal and residual surface currents will be monitored in two 180 km radius arcs either side of the Fair Isle Gap for a period of six months. Results will be supported by data from a variety of other methods including ADCPs (Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers), low-cost drifters and gliders.

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