Gorgon Project: environmental acoustic recognition sensor (EARS)
David BarnardChevron Australia.
The APPEA Journal 54(2) 548-548 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ13121
Published: 2014
Abstract
The Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) presents a significant risk to the unique environment of Barrow Island, the location of the Chevron-operated Gorgon Project. The island’s climate would suit the establishment of this non-indigenous species, which could displace the five known native gecko species.
Originating in Asia, this pest has spread to almost 9 new locations by hitchhiking on international vessels and cargo. To help detect possible gecko activity on the Gorgon Project, a unique device has been developed to specifically detect the sound of the gecko call.
EARS can detect the sound of a gecko’s call from up to 2 m away. Connected to a wireless network, it sends an alert when a call is registered detailing time, location, and a sound file to aid detection. Placed on cargo and vessels travelling to Barrow, it is also deployed in Australian supply bases, international fabrication yards, and marine offloading facilities on the island.
EARS provide Gorgon Quarantine with a constant presence and are particularly useful for detecting nocturnal species. It complements Gorgon’s existing quarantine surveillance programs and is one of many measures to ensure Barrow Island remains free from non-indigenous species.
The Gorgon Project is operated by an Australian subsidiary of Chevron and is a joint venture of the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.3%), ExxonMobil (25%), Shell (25%), Osaka Gas (1.25%), Tokyo Gas (1%) and Chubu Electric Power (0.417%).
David Barnard is the senior data analyst for Gorgon Quarantine and is a member of the bio-security science team. He is the project manager of the Environmental Acoustic Recognition Sensor program, as well as other information systems and technical solution initiatives presently being undertaken at Chevron Australia. David has more than 15 years’ experience in the information technology industry, specialising in data analysis, data cleansing and migration, data warehousing and UI/UX design. He holds a BSc (Resources and Technology) from Murdoch University, WA. David’s present role with Gorgon Quarantine has resulted in frequent travel to project fabrication yards throughout Asia as part of the EARS program. When he’s not at work, he enjoys spending time on his motorcycles in WA’s great outdoors. |
