Saildrone Voyager: Surface drones map Gulf of Maine in high resolution

Two unmanned, autonomous Saildrone Voyager surface drones have mapped 1500 square nautical miles (approximately 5144.8 square kilometers) in the northern and central parts of the Gulf of Maine on the east coast of the USA. The areas were surveyed in high resolution using a multibeam echo sounder. The data will be used to support the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) research on deep-sea corals, which are important for the ecosystem.

The research mission of the two Saildrone Voyagers focused primarily on the Jordan and Georges Basins in the Gulf of Maine. The Voyager surface drones are about 10 meters long and are propelled by a fixed sail using wind power and an electric motor powered by solar energy via a buffer battery. According to Saildrone, the electric motor is highly efficient. It is mainly used when the wind is too weak and maneuverability is therefore insufficient. In addition, the electric drive switches on as soon as the speed falls below a certain level. This makes the operation of the boats particularly ecological and cost-effective. The surface drone has control and navigation systems on board that ensure that a mapping mission is carried out autonomously.

Data for marine research

On board the Voyager is a Norbit multibeam echo sounder and other scientific instruments for collecting data that can be recorded and transmitted in real time. The echo sounder is used to record the seabed and create high-resolution maps. This enables oceanographers to precisely determine the depths of the sea and the complex marine topography and, for example, to identify and assess the habitats of marine life. This applies in particular to deep-sea corals, which serve as a habitat for fish.

The scientists can use the condition of the habitat and other data to assess the state of the fish population in the Gulf of Maine. This also has an economic component, as commercial fishing is an important source of income for people in the area. The data helps to assess the resources for sensible fisheries' management to ensure the viability of fish populations. This will be supported by future survey work and modeling by the local New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC).

The mapping data from the Voyager can also be used to assess the seabed in coastal regions. This allows damage to the seabed to be detected at an early stage so that coastal protection can be maintained and coastal areas erode less.

The Saildrone surface drones in the three classes Explorer, Voyager and Surveyor can also be used for other missions, such as maintaining safety in shipping and finding locations for offshore wind turbines. Military missions are also possible.

Saildrone has been carrying out data collection missions for marine research since 2015. The company has already built around 140 surface drones for this purpose and covered a total of 1.3 million nautical miles (around 240,000 km) with them. Saildrone's latest mission has already begun: Surveyor surface drones have been operating in the waters of the Cayman Islands since the beginning of August to collect data on marine biodiversity.

(olb)