ASEC, Roveal Survey Florida Sound With UUV and UAS
Photo: ASEC.
On June 19, researchers from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection teamed up with Aviation Systems Engineering Co. and Roveal Underwater Robotics to use both a drone and an unmanned underwater vehicle to passively survey the Nassau Sound Aquatic Preservation Area northeast of Jacksonville.
Roveal’s UUV streamed underwater video to a floating research vessel while a research team piloted an unmanned aircraft to scout the survey from above.
“This project demonstrated a new tool for scientists to search for the invasive Lion Fish and the rare Atlantic Sturgeon in ways never before considered. I’m extremely excited by the possibilities for how this technology can benefit our aquatic and marine ecosystems,” said Bill Andersen, a biologist on the project.
The project was the first time FDEP used a robot for its missions and the first time it has used a UAS and UUV in conjunction.
The researchers collected data on native grass beds, oyster beds, vertebrate marine life, water column temperature readings, halocline and depth soundings.
