Two Saildrone Voyager uncrewed surface vehicles (USVs) have successfully mapped 1,500 square nautical miles (5,144.8 sq. km) in the Gulf of Maine, an area previously uncharted in high resolution. These autonomous marine robots, equipped with advanced technology, focused on exploring the seafloor to aid in deep-sea coral surveys and support various missions under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). By employing USVs, data collection becomes more efficient and cost-effective, providing vital insights into this dynamic marine environment.
Earlier mapping attempts in the Gulf of Maine, bordered by states and Canadian provinces, were limited in scope and resolution. This region is significant due to its complex underwater topography and diverse marine life, including economically important fisheries. The latest mission by Saildrone builds on previous efforts, delivering more comprehensive data to inform resource management and coastal infrastructure development.
Advanced Mapping Technology in Action
The Saildrone Voyagers concentrated on the Jordan and Georges Basins, reaching depths up to 300 meters (984.2 feet). Heather Coleman, a researcher in NOAA’s Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program, expressed the importance of this data:
“The Saildrone Voyagers are filling in a substantial gap in seafloor data in the Gulf of Maine.”
These high-resolution maps will aid NOAA and partner organizations in understanding habitats essential for fisheries production and guide future surveying efforts.
Utilizing Renewable Energy for Data Collection
Powered by renewable wind and solar energy, Saildrone’s USVs like the Surveyor, Explorer, and Voyager continuously gather and transmit data for various applications. Equipped with Norbit multibeam echo sounders, the Voyagers can conduct long-duration, International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)-compliant mapping surveys. Brian Connon, Saildrone’s vice president of ocean mapping, highlighted the effectiveness of these USVs in shallow to mid-depth Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) mapping, emphasizing their near-silent operations and advanced classification features.
The multibeam and backscatter data collected will enhance species-distribution models and update nautical charts, crucial for navigation and habitat exploration. Saildrone’s autonomous missions since 2015 have significantly contributed to ocean research, demonstrating the potential of these technologies in various maritime applications. Recent missions, including mapping the Cayman Islands’ EEZ, showcase the expanding capabilities of Saildrone’s fleet.
The integration of autonomous USVs into marine research offers promising advancements in obtaining high-resolution seafloor data. These technologies not only improve our understanding of marine environments but also support sustainable management of ocean resources. As Saildrone continues to innovate, the data collected will play a critical role in navigating and preserving marine ecosystems.
