SeaTrac Successfully Maps Hypoxic Zones in U.S. Gulf of Mexico with Uncrewed Surface Vehicle

SeaTrac has utilized its SP-48 uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) to map potential hypoxic zones in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. This project, conducted in collaboration with the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO), aimed to validate the performance of an uncrewed system in gathering real-time data in these waters while reducing the manpower and resources typically required in traditional data collection methods.

Project Objectives and Operations

The operational goals of the project included testing and demonstrating sampling procedures for remote, 24/7, over-the-horizon operation of the USV and winch. Over a 14-day period in December 2023, SeaTrac’s team remotely piloted the SP-48 from its Marblehead, Mass., operation center. The USV transmitted collected data from sensors to servers at USM for real-time quality assurance, while USM and NOAA collected data via a crewed vessel to compare and validate the data gathered by the SP-48.

Equipment and Challenges

The SeaTrac SP-48 USV was equipped with advanced sensors including an AML-3 Sonde, conductivity, temperature, depth (CTD) and dissolved oxygen (DO) sensors, as well as auxiliary sensors for additional data collection. The project faced challenges such as high winds, rough seas, and limited sunlight for battery charging, but the operations team managed the power budget efficiently.

SeaTrac developed and deployed a bottom-detection capability for the winch to enable measurements to the seafloor, crucial for accurate mapping of hypoxia. Despite initial tuning sensitivity issues, adjustments were made during the mission to ensure reliable sampling along the seafloor.

Success and Future Applications

Despite adverse conditions, the SP-48 successfully collected quality data at 31 stations over 220 nautical miles, demonstrating its reliability, endurance, and capabilities in scientific missions at sea. The USV operated continuously with minimal manual intervention, showcasing significant mission flexibility and responsiveness.

James Thompson, Cat-A Hydrographer and UxS Operator at USM, highlighted the benefits of real-time monitoring and adjustment of collection parameters, while Dr. Jason McKenna, Director of Research at USM, praised the SP-48’s ability to reduce personnel requirements and maintain responsiveness throughout the mission.

SeaTrac’s successful mapping of hypoxic zones in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico highlights the potential of uncrewed systems in marine research and environmental monitoring. The use of advanced technology and robust communication protocols demonstrates the value of autonomous vehicles in gathering critical data for scientific purposes.