Environmental Monitoring | Open Ocean Robotics

COLLECTING CRITICAL OCEAN DATA
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

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DataXplorer

Open Ocean Robotics provides innovative solutions for environmental monitoring, enabling real-time data collection and analysis to address critical environmental challenges. Our uncrewed surface vehicles offer an eco-friendly, efficient, and reliable approach to monitoring marine and coastal ecosystems, ensuring the protection and sustainability of these vital environments.

REAL-TIME OCEANOGRAPHIC DATA COLLECTION

Our USVs are equipped with advanced sensors to continuously gather oceanographic data, including:

currents, wave height, water temperature, salinity, pH levels, and dissolved oxygen

MARINE MAMMAL MONITORING

Using visual and thermal cameras, as well as passive acoustic systems, our USVs can detect and track marine mammals and other wildlife; assess migration patterns and habitat use; and monitor human impacts on marine ecosystems

SEAFLOOR AND HABITAT MAPPING

Equipped with advanced sonar systems, our USVs can:

Conduct high-resolution seabed mapping; identify and monitor critical habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds; and support marine conservation efforts

WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Our USVs provide high-resolution data for evaluating water quality, essential for:

Identifying pollution sources; monitoring harmful algal blooms; assessing the impact of industrial and coastal activities

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Real-Time Marine Mammal Monitoring

Open Ocean Robotics’ DataXplorer™,uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) was deployed in partnership with Jasco Applied Sciences for Innovative Solutions Canada’s ‘Real-time Marine Mammal Monitoring Service Via Uncrewed Surface Vessel’ program. The USV was equipped with a high-resolution camera system, oceanographic sensors, and JASCO’s OceanObserver passive acoustic sensor in a 3-day trial for Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). The service detected and localized marine mammals to mitigate environmental risk of conducting marine operations.

Case Study: Advanced Marine Monitoring with DataXplorer™

The DataXplorer™ completed a mission where it demonstrated its advanced capabilities in marine mammal monitoring. Equipped with a hydrophone, the DataXplorer™ operated safely in areas frequented by marine mammals and successfully detected multiple species throughout the mission.

Using infrared cameras, the DataXplorer™ successfully detected and captured images and videos of humpback whales, Stellar sea lions, and California sea lions. This mission showcases DataXplorer™ ability to detect and track marine mammals effectively with minimal environmental impact, providing essential data to enhance vessel strike avoidance strategies.

Case Study: Protecting Southern Resident Killer Whales

Open Ocean Robotics deployed their USV DataXplorer™ to protect endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) in the Pender Island Interim Sanctuary Zone. The mission, conducted from October 3-7, 2022, lasted 75 hours and covered 174 km. The USV monitored marine mammal activity and environmental conditions, transmitting real-time data to shore-based operators. The initiative aimed to reduce noise exposure and overfishing impacts on SRKWs by using advanced sensors to detect vessels and collect atmospheric and oceanic data, supporting the enforcement of seasonal fishing closures and sanctuary zones.

Case Study: Seagrass Mapping

Open Ocean Robotics surveyed eelgrass beds to gather detailed information about the eelgrass density and coverage in an important ecological area.

DataXplorer was equipped with a high-resolution 3D sidescan sonar system, Ping 3DSS-iDX-450, to autonomously conduct the survey.

By leveraging this advanced technology, marine scientists and conservationists can better understand seagrass distribution, monitor changes over time, and develop targeted strategies for protecting these essential carbon-capturing ecosystems.