Abstract
It is shown how the design possibilities offered by double-layer uniform-waist tapered optical fibers (DLUWTs) permit to move the wavelength detection range to adapt the response of the sensors to varied conditions. In particular, we have obtained very good experimental curves showing that we can achieve plasmon resonances in the C-band of the optical communications, around 1.5 mu m, for the range of refractive indices of aqueous media, highly interesting in the biosensors field. Also, we show results for other interesting wavelength region, around 500 nm, where we can take advantage of the absorption peaks of the analytes. Finally, we explore the possibilities of using InN as a dielectric material for the second layer of the deposition. These results contribute to considerably expand the applicability and performance of SPR fiber sensors.

Abstract
A novel miniature fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based temperature probe is presented. The sensor design integrates a ushape lossless taper thus offering the advantages of a terminal temperature probe while enabling effective serial multiplexing. We report on the experimental validation of the temperature probe design demonstrating lossless operation and effective elimination of strain cross-sensitivity. © 2009 SPIE.

Abstract
A new interrogation method based on Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBG) for Surface Plamon Resonance (SPR) sensors in the region of refractive indices of aqueous solutions is described. Two FBGs are selected with their Bragg wavelengths at opposite sides of the plasmon resonance peak. The response of the system can be made independent of the fluctuations of the optical power source, and the linearity and the sensitivity of the sensor are improved. The use of the spectral selectivity of gratings for the interrogation of SPR sensors in different configurations is also promising in terms of multiplexing, temperature referencing or multiparameter detection. © 2009 SPIE.

Abstract
One way to mitigate the high costs of doing science or business at sea is to create technological infrastructures possessing all the skills and resources needed for successful maritime operations, and make those capabilities and skills available to the external entities requiring them. By doing so, the individual economic and scientific agents can be spared the enormous effort of creating and maintaining their own, particular set of equivalent capabilities, thus drastically lowering their initial operating costs. In addition to cost savings, operating based on fully-fledged, shared infrastructures not only allows the use of more advanced scientific equipment and highly skilled personnel, but it also enables the business teams (be it industry or research) to focus on their goals, rather than on equipment, logistics, and support. This paper will describe the TEC4SEA infrastructure, created precisely to operate as described. This infrastructure has been under implementation in the last few years, and has now entered its operational phase. This paper will describe it, present its current portfolio of services, and discuss the most relevant assets and facilities that have been recently acquired, so that the research and industrial communities requiring the use of such assets can fully evaluate their adequacy for their own purposes and projects.

Abstract
By creating a dependable, transparent, and cost-effective system for forecasting and ongoing environmental impact monitoring of exploration and exploitation activities in the deep sea, TRIDENT seeks to contribute to the sustainable exploitation of seabed mineral resources. In order to operate autonomously in remote locations under harsh conditions and send real-time data to authorities in charge of granting licenses and providing oversight, this system will create and integrate new technology and innovative solutions. The efficient monitoring and inspection system that will be created will abide by national and international legal frameworks. At the sea surface, mid-water, and the bottom, TRIDENT will identify all pertinent physical, chemical, geological, and biological characteristics that must be monitored. It will also look for data gaps and suggest procedures for addressing them. These are crucial actions to take in order to produce accurate indicators of excellent environmental status, statistically robust environmental baselines, and thresholds for significant impact, allowing for the standardization of methods and tools. In order to monitor environmental parameters on mining and reference areas at representative spatial and temporal scales, the project consortium will thereafter develop and test an integrated system of stationary and mobile observatory platforms outfitted with the most recent automatic sensors and samplers. The system will incorporate high-capacity data processing pipelines able to gather, transmit, process, and display monitoring data in close to real-time to facilitate prompt actions for preventing major harm to the environment. Last but not least, it will offer systemic and technological solutions for predicting probable impacts of applying the developed monitoring and mitigation techniques.

Abstract
Abandoned, Lost, or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) has a great impact on marine ecosystems. This is not only due to the direct contribution to marine litter production with particular emphasis on plastics but also to the effects of ghost fishing.The Nettag+ project aims to reduce these impacts by acting on three main lines of action: prevention, avoidance, and mitigation. In the first line, direct action and collaboration with fishers and nature protection organizations around Europe aim to establish the fishermen community as guardians of the ocean. These actions with active fishers' collaboration range from training and dissemination activities related to marine litter and ocean protection to direct measures in day-to-day work to minimize and recover litter from the sea.In the prevention line, an acoustic tag designed explicitly for the location of ALDFG was developed in collaboration with research institutions and fishing gear manufacturers. It can be integrated into the fishing equipment for future tracking and recovery. This tool can reduce lost fishing gear retrieval costs and is complemented with robotic solutions to support retrieving operations.To mitigate the effects of existing untagged ALDFG, multisensorial  detection algorithms are being developed to detect and map ALDFG on the sea and to take advantage of autonomous and robotic systems to perform this task.