Someone tore apart a high-tech research buoy on Owasco Lake, cutting off critical water data, according to The Citizen.
The Finger Lakes Institute says vandals repeatedly damaged the $150,000–$200,000 system in 2025, smashing its housing, stripping solar panels, and disrupting transmissions. The buoy normally sends readings every 10 minutes and logs over 10,000 measurements each year.
The attacks forced researchers to pull the buoy early in September, ending seasonal data collection. Officials plan tighter security this year, including cameras and locks, while continuing to work with law enforcement.
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