Gloucester Innovation Partners with Sigfox U.S.A. on Ocean Data Collection

According to a recent announcement, Sigfox U.S.A., the U.S. network operator for LPWAN connectivity provider Sigfox, has been selected by Gloucester Innovation as the Internet of Things network of choice to capture ocean floor data with simple devices that could ultimately attach to more than 300,000 Massachusetts lobster traps. Through the initiative, dubbed “LobsterNet,” Sigfox U.S.A. provides Gloucester Innovation with low power wide area connectivity that will allow the devices to transmit oceanic acidity, depth, temperature and other ocean floor information on a daily basis. Gloucester Innovation will initially use the data to empower fishermen to most effectively place and track lobster traps, and ultimately support the Blue Economy. With the Earth’s oceans changing constantly, having visibility to the ocean floor has become increasingly important, both to help ensure the health of the ocean and to enable those operating within marine industries to do so successfully. However, data collection in these industries comes with a unique set of challenges – especially when it comes to cost-effectively gathering information in real time. In addition to utilizing the Sigfox network, Gloucester Innovation has bolstered offshore connectivity by strategically deploying Sigfox U.S.A.’s Connectivity as a Service (CaaS) in key shoreline locations. By incorporating Sigfox’s IoT technology into devices that will attach to lobster traps with zero intrusion to the lobstering process, Gloucester Innovation is able to gather oceanic floor information in days, rather than months.