This report summarizes technology, operations, experience, and scientific results from the Hermes Lander
project. The Project established an autonomous, multi-sensor, sub-sea sensor platform powered by batteries. The platform was launched at a coral reef location in Hola off Vesterålen and collected data during seven months in
2010 (March – September). Oceanographic and echo-sounder data were analyzed and compared with similar data from sporadically collected data from research vessels as well as model-produced data. The results
demonstrate a partly chaotic variation. The project neither confirmed nor excluded a connection between coral
reef and biomass density. The data and experience are crucial for efficient planning, development, and operation
of the planned Statoil-financed cable observatory in the same area
