Autonomous Ecosystem Surveillance Robot
Our project, the Autonomous Ecosystem Surveillance Robot, aims at closing the aquatic gap in biosecurity measures by including several functions, such as water quality monitoring, aquatic species monitoring, and seabed topology surveillance. Several instances have shown the need for such a system, as demonstrated below. The United States Corps of Engineers completed an electrich fish barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in 2002, in order to prevent the invasive Asian carp from moving into the Great Lakes. The introduction of the Asian carp into the Great Lakes would be an ecological disaster, as the Great Lakes provide an ideal habitat for the carp to proliferate, choking out native fish species that exist there. This would result in a major loss for the fishing industry in the area. One of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie, suffers annual algae blooms threats, which affect up to 12 million people in the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada. These algae blooms are caused by runoff pollution, which occurs when rainfall washes fertilizer and manure from farmland into Lake Erie, fueling algae that can make water toxic to humans and animals alike. In addition, there are many existing customs regulations around the world that are set in place to ensure biosecurity of national ecosystems, such as in Taiwan, where it is illegal to bring pork from abroad. Despite this, there still exists a very large gap in biosecurity measures; that of the aquatic nature. Through these three functions, we have the ability to protect local aquatic biodiversity via the ability to detect invasive species, therefore allowing authorities to properly deal with them. This allows less harmful measures to be taken against them, thereby limiting collateral damage to endangered native species. Coupled with the ability to map bodies of water, the Autonomous Ecosystem Surveillance Robot is an extremely potent tool to preserve aquatic biodiversity and to ensure biosecurity of local waters.
DIVE&CLEAN - Intervention Possible
The DIVE&CLEAN project is an educational and innovative initiative aimed at addressing a significant environmental challenge: marine pollution. With oceans covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface and providing a home to 50–80% of life on the planet, their health is critical. However, marine ecosystems are under threat due to plastic pollution, which impacts wildlife, coastal communities, and global biodiversity. This project centers around the idea of introducing underwater trash bins, especially in areas frequented by recreational divers. While most divers explore the seas without specific tools to collect trash, they could contribute significantly with the right infrastructure. The vision of DIVE&CLEAN is to inspire behavioral change, encourage collaboration, and promote actionable solutions to reduce ocean pollution. Using interactive robotics and storytelling, the project tells the story of divers rescuing animals entangled in plastic and collecting trash from the ocean floor using underwater bins. Through creative performances, it seeks to educate and motivate individuals, resorts, and authorities to adopt sustainable practices.