What you need to know
The pollution of our oceans is a growing issue that brings significant ecological, economic, and health risks worldwide. However, thanks to technological innovations like drones and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), scientists and environmental organizations can now monitor and address pollution in a much more efficient and detailed manner than ever before. Last week, we discussed cleanup innovations; this week, we turn our attention to drones and AUVs.
Drones have drastically changed the way we observe pollution above the water’s surface. With their ability to cover vast areas quickly, drones help identify pollution hotspots such as oil spills or plastic waste. Instead of relying on large ships or manned aircraft, drones can rapidly and cost-effectively gather images and data from hard-to-reach areas, such as remote coastlines or the open ocean.
In 2021, the organization Ocean Infinity used drones to help identify plastic debris in the ocean. By combining aerial images and detailed data, they were able to pinpoint areas where plastic was accumulating, making it easier to coordinate cleanup efforts. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) is now being combined with drones to detect pollution in real-time and predict trends. This enables researchers to intervene much more quickly and respond to pollution incidents.
But it’s not just professional organizations using drones – citizens are getting involved too. In Belgium, local volunteers are using drones to scout for litter along the banks of the Scheldt River, demonstrating the power of technology in mobilizing communities for environmental protection.
While drones dominate the skies, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) play a critical role in monitoring the underwater environment. These unmanned vehicles can carry out underwater operations, such as collecting water samples, inspecting seafloor pollution, and detecting chemicals and microplastics at great depths.
The European organization EMSO (European Marine Soil Observatory) uses AUVs to monitor ocean pollution, including heavy metals and oil. These vehicles are not only able to identify pollution in hard-to-reach areas, but they also explore deeper ocean layers where pollution often goes unnoticed. AUVs can be equipped with a variety of sensors, allowing them to detect different types of pollution, such as oil, heavy metals, and even sound pollution that threatens marine life.
The data collected by these vehicles is crucial for developing effective policy and monitoring the progress of cleanup initiatives. By providing accurate and comprehensive data on ocean pollution, AUVs are helping to shape a more informed approach to ocean conservation.
One of the most impressive advantages of drones and AUVs is their role in actual pollution cleanup. While drones assist in locating pollution hotspots, AUVs can sometimes even be used to remove waste from the seafloor. In the future, this could contribute to cleaning up hard-to-reach areas, such as deep-sea debris, or even removing large quantities of plastic waste from the ocean.
One example of such an innovation is The Ocean Cleanup initiative, an organization developing technology to remove plastic from the ocean. They use advanced systems that work in conjunction with drones and AUVs to pinpoint specific areas and improve the efficiency of their cleanup operations. By integrating these technologies, The Ocean Cleanup has been able to significantly enhance the scope of their efforts to tackle ocean pollution.
The integration of drones and AUVs has dramatically expanded the capabilities for monitoring pollution in the marine environment. These technologies enable scientists and environmentalists to map pollution more accurately, respond to incidents faster, and even actively contribute to waste removal. As the technology continues to evolve, we can only expect the impact of these innovations to grow, playing an increasingly crucial role in the fight against ocean pollution.
As we continue to innovate and develop better tools for monitoring and cleaning our oceans, it’s clear that the combination of drones, AUVs, and AI will be pivotal in safeguarding our planet’s most vital ecosystems. The future of marine environmental monitoring looks brighter, and together, we can ensure that these advancements help us protect the oceans for generations to come.
Ocean Infinity
The Ocean Cleanup
EMSO – European Marine Soil Observatory
TU Delft
Emis Vito
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