![]() Until relatively recently, collecting data quickly over larger scales required the use of occupied aircraft (flying at altitudes of 150 m or greater) or satellites in orbit. At ground level, marine scientists and resource managers can collect high-resolution data but struggle to efficiently sample across larger spaces. Satellite-based methods are becoming cost effective over larger areas where the timing of data collection is not critical, but they cannot collect data at the temporal and spatial scales required by some forms of marine and coastal research, and many satellite-based sensor systems remain sensitive to image-degrading atmospheric effects and weather.įigure 1 provides a graphical overview of where drones fit into the spectrum of sampling capabilities for marine science and conservation. Occupied aircraft also present significant risks for scientists ( Sasse 2003), especially in marine applications, and are sensitive to weather conditions such as clouds and humidity. For larger-scale projects over broader areas, the economic benefits may not be realized ( Angliss et al. 2018), including those that need high temporal resolution. While occupied aircraft can collect relatively high-resolution data, they can be cost prohibitive for smaller-scale projects ( Arona et al. Drones are also increasingly used by scientists to rapidly collect high-resolution data in many ecosystems ( Koh & Wich 2012) and are poised to revolutionize spatial ecology ( Anderson & Gaston 2013). 2014) to precision agriculture ( Zhang & Kovacs 2012). Small, portable, and affordable, aerial drones are now used recreationally in many countries and are revolutionizing a variety of work tasks, from journalism ( Holton et al. Unoccupied aircraft systems (UASs, also known as drones) are a perfect example of this phenomenon. ![]() Small service robots that clean floors and mow lawns are now available for purchase in many countries, and a variety of robots have been developed for purposes ranging from education and companionship to exploration of the near-surface waters of the ocean (e.g., the OpenROV Trident) ( Engelhardt 1989, Kopacek 2000, Shiomi et al. Over the past two decades, advances in microelectronics, battery technology, and wireless communications have driven the development of small consumer- and professional-grade robotic platforms for both entertainment and work purposes. It concludes with details on potential effects of UASs on marine wildlife and a look to the future of UASs in marine science and conservation. This article provides an overview of the UAS platforms and sensors used in marine science and conservation missions along with example physical, biological, and natural resource management applications and typical analytical workflows. A variety of multirotor, fixed-wing, and transitional UAS platforms are capable of carrying various optical and physical sampling payloads and are being employed in almost every subdiscipline of marine science and conservation. Drones are poised to revolutionize marine science and conservation, as they provide essentially on-demand remote sensing capabilities at low cost and with reduced human risk. Recent advances in microelectronics and battery technology have resulted in the rapid development of low-cost UASs that are transforming many industries. The use of unoccupied aircraft systems (UASs, also known as drones) in science is growing rapidly.
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