A fleet of 10 SEABER micro-AUVs deployed in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon! 🌊
In collaboration with CNRS (LEMAR) and Université de Montpellier @MARBEC for our joint project called SEAMAP, funded by BPI France 2030, we deployed a fleet of 10 micro-AUVs in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. For two weeks and in real-world conditions, the AUVs were used to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) alongside with environmental measures and habitat mapping scanning and habitat scanning and to contribute to habitat mapping and biodiversity studies, all while operating in full autonomy and harsh weather.
Led by Quentin Tatibouet and Charles Goudaert, the mission involved 10 coordinated micro-AUVs, each equipped with specialized sensors. Deployed simultaneously in a coordinated manner, the fleet allowed scientists to gather multiple types of data at the same location, i.e. an innovative approach to marine sampling characterise marine habitats.
SEABER is proud to contribute to this research breakthrough by providing these micro autonomous underwater vehicles, equipped with acoustic positioning for real-time tracking and advanced sensors for large-scale biodiversity mapping. 🗺️
👏 Huge thanks to our research partners and to the people of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon for the warm welcome. We’re excited to see how the data collected — especially the eDNA samples — will contribute to our understanding of marine ecosystems.
➡️ Next step: experiments in Antarctica!
🇫🇷 For the French speaking person, read the article about our experiment in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon here: https://la1ere.franceinfo.fr/saintpierremiquelon/projet-seamap-des-robots-sous-marins-autonomes-deployes-pour-analyser-les-fonds-marins-de-saint-pierre-et-miquelon-1589400.html