It has long been a goal of many scientist to be able to collect high quality data with adequate data intime,space,stability and accuracy in plakton distribution from the surface down to the deep ocean using the same vessel.In the past the data collected from a wide range of species of varying size (from fish to zooplankton) was achieved through time-consuming and disconnected methods and instruments. The main advantage of using the must is the combination of the quantity and the variability of acoustic sounders installed.
CTD, Laser Optical Plankton Counter (LOPC), Optical Plankton Counter (OPC), 2π Light sensor, 4π Light sensor, Chlorophyll Fluorormeter, Turbidity meter, Digital Flow meter, Pitch, roll and compass sensor for MUST, Pitch and roll sensor for transducer platform.
Depressor suitable for towing depth down to 1000 meters. Vertical rudders are controlling depth and position below the towing ship. The operator onboard the towing vessel can communicate and operate all instruments in MUST via local network on fiber cable. The sounder transducers are installed inside the unit, behind an acoustic window, keeping the transducer faces away from the waterflow around the towing body. The MUST have seven echo sounders: 38, 70, 120 and 200 kHz split beam, and 333, 680 and 1200 kHz single beam All transducers are installed on a stabilized platform. Two motors are using signal from pitch and roll sensors to keep the transducer platform in a horizontal level within ± 0,5°. Two motors are independently controlling the rudders for a set depth or for an ambulating movement of the body within selected depths.