Data-Collection System for Using Oysters as Bioindicators

It is known that the gaping behavior of bivalves will change with changes in their environment; these changes can include temperature, pH and other alterations in water quality, as well as predatory, or perceived predatory, stresses. It was requested that a data-collection device be built in order for this gaping behavior to be studied by researchers at the University of New Hampshire; this device is to be used offshore in oyster farms, and it will monitor the gaping of oysters, as well as the water conditions in these farms. For this project, an Arduino-based prototype with wireless (radio) capabilities was designed and built for remote monitoring of the behavior of oysters. As an extension of this project, devices were also built for studies to be conducted strictly in-laboratory.