If you’ve ever looked out at the bay and wondered what all those floating buoys are doing, get ready to meet the smartest ones yet. HyperKelp’s Kelp Smart Buoys (KSBs) are set to be deployed in San Diego Bay, quietly collecting data, tracking environmental changes, and helping to shape the future of maritime sustainability. These bright yellow, four-sided floating data stations might not look like much at first glance, but beneath the surface, they’re revolutionizing how we monitor and protect our waters.
HyperKelp, a cutting-edge ocean technology company, has been making waves in the maritime sector since its founding in 2021. The company specializes in developing smart buoy platforms, loaded with sensors that gather and transmit real-time oceanic data. Their mission? To provide scientists, environmentalists, and policymakers with accurate, immediate insights into our changing waters.
For San Diego, these smart buoys mean more than just another piece of floating equipment. Thanks to a $250,000 partnership with the Port of San Diego’s Blue Economy Incubator, HyperKelp’s buoys will play a crucial role in environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability projects. From tracking water quality and emissions to assisting in aquaculture planning, these buoys are more than just passive observers — they’re active participants in protecting our coastal ecosystems.
When asked by The Log how the data collected by HyperKelp’s smart buoys will influence environmental policies and conservation efforts in San Diego Bay, Paula Sylvia, Aquaculture and Blue Tech program manager explained that the pilot project aims to provide real-time monitoring of key environmental parameters. By utilizing innovative sensors, smart buoy technologies, and real-time data dashboards, the project will collect water quality data and support various environmental initiatives, including aquaculture and conservation efforts. The monitoring activities will also include measuring underwater noise and tracking atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, as well as assessing water quality indicators such as dissolved oxygen, Chlorophyll A, turbidity, pH, water temperature, and salinity.
At their core, these buoys function as advanced marine sensing platforms, capable of hosting up to 20 different sensors at a time. Some of the key environmental measurements they provide include chlorophyll levels (to monitor algae blooms), salinity changes, and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations. Additionally, they have the ability to track underwater noise levels, which is crucial for understanding how vessel traffic affects marine life, including whales and other marine mammals.
So, what specific challenges or issues in the bay prompted the decision to partner with HyperKelp and implement this smart buoy technology? According to The Port of San Diego, it believes this pilot project is a win-win as it supports innovation that provides strategic alignment with the Port’s environmental stewardship mission, and need to protect coastal-dependent assets. This pilot gives Port departments the potential to enhance data collection for several Port monitoring initiatives. The Port is learning how the results from the pilot project address existing environmental challenges and inform future blue economy opportunities. For Hyperkelp, a successful demonstration of their smart buoy technology provides them with a strong case study for regulatory approvals and commercialization.
What makes a buoy “smart”? Unlike traditional navigation buoys that serve as passive markers, smart buoys like HyperKelp’s actively collect and transmit data in real time. That information is then sent to internet-accessible dashboards, where researchers, environmentalists, and even port authorities can analyze changes and make informed decisions. By using over 300 different types of sensors, these buoys can measure everything from electro-optic and infrared readings to radio frequency signals, making them a versatile tool for ocean monitoring.
This high-tech capability means that HyperKelp’s buoys can support major initiatives such as the Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) and the Vessel Speed Reduction Program. The former aims to improve air quality by monitoring emissions from ships, while the latter encourages slower vessel speeds to reduce underwater noise pollution, benefiting marine life. Additionally, the buoys will support shellfish and seaweed aquaculture planning, helping scientists understand where sustainable aquaculture can thrive without disrupting natural habitats.
These technological advancements have not gone unnoticed. In addition to their work in San Diego Bay, HyperKelp has secured a $1.8 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to enhance ocean surveillance and national security using their buoy technology. Their ability to track environmental conditions, analyze ocean currents, and even detect atmospheric shifts makes them valuable tools not just for local conservation but also for global maritime intelligence.
If you haven’t spotted these buoys yet, keep an eye out. They’re bright yellow, large, and have a distinct four-sided shape with a small light at the top. Their presence in San Diego Bay signifies a major leap forward in oceanic research and protection, helping to keep our waters clean and our ecosystems healthy.
With their rugged solar arrays and long-term deployment capabilities, these buoys are built to last. They can stay in the water for extended periods, continuously collecting critical oceanic data without needing frequent maintenance. This low-maintenance, high-impact technology makes them one of the most effective tools for ocean monitoring today.
The introduction of HyperKelp’s buoys into San Diego Bay is just the beginning. As they continue to prove their value, it’s likely that we will see similar smart buoy deployments along other parts of the California coast and beyond. The need for real-time, high-quality oceanic data is greater than ever, and innovative solutions like these smart buoys are key to understanding and addressing the challenges facing our marine environments.
Another question is: will these smart buoys be limited to San Diego, or are there plans to deploy them elsewhere?
“The HyperKelp pilot project will leverage The Port’s Blue Economy Incubator program to deliver multiple social, environmental, and economic co-benefits to the Port and the region,” said Sylvia. “The pilot project will help Hyperkelp further validate their smart buoy technology for specific Port applications. The results of the pilot will help the company commercialize its technology worldwide for dual use environmental and defense monitoring applications.
The Blue Economy Incubator is playing a vital role in supporting technologies like HyperKelp’s smart buoys. Since its establishment in 2016, the incubator has been dedicated to advancing sustainable aquaculture, environmental conservation, and marine technology innovations. By bringing HyperKelp into the fold, the incubator is ensuring that San Diego remains at the forefront of ocean research and maritime sustainability.
These smart buoys are more than just floating pieces of equipment. They represent the future of ocean monitoring, sustainability, and data-driven decision-making. With the ability to track water quality, pollution, emissions, and marine life impact, HyperKelp’s buoys are helping to create a healthier, more sustainable future for our waters.
The next time one of these yellow, high-tech buoys appears in the bay, remember that it’s actively gathering data, tracking changes, and contributing to the protection of local waters. These advanced monitoring systems play a critical role in preserving marine environments and supporting sustainable initiatives.
For more information, visit https://www.portofsandiego.org/stories/port-currents/coming-soon-san-diego-bay-hyperkelps-new-smart-buoys?utm_source=Port+of+San+Diego+Emails&utm_campaign=b5a0dfa859-Port_Currents_Q1_2025&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-b5a0dfa859-508712650. For information on HyperKelp, visit https://www.hyperkelp.com/.
