Rough Science 27 The Reef

Summary

The video showcases a fascinating marine science project where a team installs an innovative coral reef security system. After hours of hard work in challenging conditions, they create a tripwire to protect the reef from boat damage. The team meticulously sets up the system, including a corrosion-preventing feature, and conducts a nerve-wracking test to ensure it functions properly. This project exemplifies a blend of creativity, technical skill, and determination in the pursuit of marine conservation, with a focus on both protecting the environment and advancing scientific efforts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The team is working to install an underwater burglar alarm to protect a coral reef from illegal fishing activities.
• 😀 The system involves creating a fence with a tripwire that will alert authorities if disturbed by a boat.
• 😀 The process of setting up the alarm is challenging due to the strong currents and the need for precise positioning.
• 😀 One concern is ensuring the tripwire is properly insulated and does not touch wooden poles, which could trigger a false alarm.
• 😀 After four hours in the water, the fence is positioned, and anchors are placed to keep the structure in place.
• 😀 A magnesium pencil sharpener is added to the system to prevent the tripwire from corroding in the sea water.
• 😀 The system includes a contact that triggers a beep, indicating the tripwire is active and functioning correctly.
• 😀 The team tests the system by sending a boat towards the fence to check if the tripwire triggers an alert.
• 😀 The final test is nerve-wracking, as the boat must approach the fence closely enough to trigger the alarm.
• 😀 Despite some initial concerns, the system appears to work as intended, successfully detecting the boat's approach.
• 😀 The segment concludes with a preview of next week's challenge, where the team will attempt to create an underwater breathing apparatus.

Q & A

What was the main goal of the team in the video?

The main goal of the team was to create a 'coral reef burglar alarm' that would help protect marine life by detecting illegal fishing activities using a tripwire and electrical signal.

What challenge did the team face regarding the installation of the fence?

The team faced difficulty with the ocean currents that kept dragging the fence out to sea, making it harder to secure it properly without an anchor.

Why was Jonathan concerned about the tripwire setup?

Jonathan was worried that if the tripwire touched the wooden poles, it could set off the alarm prematurely or cause malfunction, as the wire was not lined up properly.

What solution did Mike add to prevent the tripwire from corroding?

Mike added a magnesium pencil sharpener to the system, which was designed to prevent the tripwire from corroding due to sea contact.

What role did the 'insulators' play in the setup?

The insulators were meant to hold the wire in place and prevent it from touching other parts of the structure, such as the wooden poles, which could trigger the alarm.

What was the test conducted to determine if the system worked?

The team tested the system by having a boat run into the fence to see if the tripwire would trigger the alarm, signaling the presence of an unauthorized vessel.

What was the team's reaction when the boat was approaching the fence?

The team was nervous and anxious as the boat slowly approached the fence, unsure whether the system would work or not.

How did the team feel after the test was completed?

The team was relieved and hopeful after the test, as they were unsure if the system would successfully work to protect the reef.

What additional functionality did the team build into the system to ensure it worked correctly?

The system included a feature where a contact sensor would beep when the tripwire was activated, signaling a potential intrusion or boat approaching the fence.

Why did the team work so hard to make this alarm system?

The team was committed to the project because they wanted to protect the marine ecosystem, particularly coral reefs, from illegal fishing and other harmful human activities.