Leveraging Technology for Marine Science
The ocean, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, holds immense mysteries and invaluable resources crucial for life. Yet, its vastness and complexity have historically posed significant challenges for exploration and understanding. However, with the advent of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) which comprise an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and an operator. A cutting-edge technology rapidly reshaping the landscape of marine science, a new era of exploration and understanding is dawning. UAS is not just revolutionizing how researchers study and protect oceans, but they are also offering a promising future for marine science, filled with exciting possibilities and discoveries.
Unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly known as drones, offer a unique perspective by providing aerial views of marine environments. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, UAS can capture detailed imagery of coastlines, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems with unprecedented clarity. By flying at low altitudes, UAS can survey vast areas of the ocean quickly and efficiently, enabling researchers to map habitats, monitor wildlife populations, and detect changes in coastal morphology.
Coastal areas are among Earth’s most dynamic and vulnerable ecosystems, subject to erosion, pollution, and sea-level rise. UAS technology allows scientists to monitor coastal dynamics with unparalleled precision, providing policymakers with the most accurate and up-to-date information for their decisions. It enables researchers to access remote or hazardous coastal environments safely and efficiently. By conducting regular aerial surveys, researchers can track changes in shoreline morphology, track sediment patterns such as erosion, and assess the impact of storms and natural disasters. This data is crucial for coastal management, urban planning, and mitigating the effects of climate change on coastal communities.
The Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) procured a survey-grade UAS that can capture multispectral imagery (in the visible and non-visible wavelengths) along with a payload capability of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology. LiDAR shoots a rotating scanning laser hundreds of thousands of times per second. It can collect a vast amount of data, recreating objects in incredible levels of 3D detail. This LiDAR technology can be leveraged through many activities conducted by the IMA, such as oil spill monitoring, sargassum monitoring and quantification and carbon sequestration research. LiDAR offers a cost-effective alternative by providing rapid and accurate assessments of forest carbon at a landscape scale. By combining LiDAR data with ground-based measurements and satellite imagery, researchers can develop robust models for predicting carbon stocks across diverse forest ecosystems.
The UAS can also be used for coastal monitoring with LiDAR technology to generate Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). One of the primary applications of UAS in coastal monitoring is shoreline mapping and change detection. By capturing high-resolution aerial imagery, drones enable researchers to precisely delineate coastal features, such as beaches, dunes, and cliffs. Over time, repeated UAS surveys can detect changes in shoreline position, erosion rates, and coastal morphology with unprecedented accuracy. This information is crucial for coastal management, hazard mitigation, and adaptation planning in the face of sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
One of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans is marine pollution, including plastic debris, oil spills, and chemical contaminants. UAS offers a powerful real-time tool for monitoring and responding to environmental threats, significantly empowering environmentalists in their fight against marine pollution. Drones equipped with multispectral cameras can detect pollutants in the water, track oil slicks, and assess the health of coastal ecosystems. By providing rapid and accurate data, UAS enables authorities to coordinate emergency responses, enforce environmental regulations, and mitigate the impact of pollution on marine life and habitats.
UAS is transforming marine science, offering new insights into the complex dynamics of our oceans and coastal environments. From mapping coral reefs to monitoring marine wildlife and detecting pollution, UAS technology is revolutionizing how we study and protect aquatic ecosystems. By harnessing the power of drones, researchers can expand our understanding of the ocean, inform conservation strategies, and ensure the sustainable management of our marine resources for generations to come.
By Vishal Mohan, Research Officer