ASL Environmental Sciences Inc. is doubling down on its commitment to oceanographic innovation with a new partnership with Sofar Ocean. The collaboration brings Sofar’s Spotter Platform to Canada and Alaska, giving researchers, operators, and coastal communities access to real-time metocean data—waves, winds, sea surface temperature, barometric pressure, and more—via a rugged, solar-powered buoy. This isn’t just another tech rollout; it’s a strategic move to bridge the gap between cutting-edge ocean monitoring and the harsh realities of northern environments.
The Spotter Buoy, with its 24/7 connectivity via satellite or cellular networks, is already proving its mettle in ASL’s lease pool. But here’s where things get interesting: ASL isn’t just distributing the tech—they’re customizing it. Their expertise in mooring solutions means these buoys aren’t just floating in the water; they’re integrated into site-specific studies, whether that’s offshore wind farms, fisheries management, or coastal erosion monitoring.
And now, ASL is taking it a step further by integrating its Acoustic Zooplankton Fish Profiler-nano (AZFP-nano) into Sofar’s Smart Mooring system. This lightweight, portable profiler delivers subsurface acoustic backscatter data, giving researchers near real-time insights into zooplankton and fish populations alongside Spotter’s metocean measurements. This isn’t just about data—it’s about context. By merging physical and biological oceanographic data, ASL and Sofar are offering a more holistic view of marine ecosystems.
“This partnership strengthens ASL’s position as a trusted supplier of advanced ocean monitoring technologies while enhancing Sofar’s reach in northern markets,” said ASL. The collaboration isn’t just about expanding Sofar’s footprint; it’s about embedding their tech into the fabric of northern research and operations. For ASL, this means leveraging Sofar’s innovation to offer more comprehensive, tailored solutions to their clients. For Sofar, it’s a chance to test and refine their technology in some of the most demanding marine environments on the planet.
This partnership could be a game-changer for northern oceanographic research. The ability to deploy rugged, real-time monitoring systems in remote locations opens up new possibilities for climate studies, fisheries management, and offshore energy projects. And with ASL’s customization expertise, these tools aren’t just being dropped into the water—they’re being fine-tuned for maximum impact.
The real question is, how will this collaboration shape the future of ocean monitoring? With ASL’s deep regional knowledge and Sofar’s cutting-edge tech, we could see a surge in data-driven decision-making across northern waters. This isn’t just about selling buoys—it’s about building a smarter, more resilient oceanographic infrastructure. And that’s something the entire maritime sector should be watching closely.