
Uncrewed Surface Vehicle (USV) with eDNA Sampler Integration




Equipped with a robotic environmental DNA (eDNA) sampler from

In September 2024, Open Ocean Robotics’ uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) DataXplorer was deployed by Stony Brook University as part of the Shinnecock Bay Restoration Program (ShiRP). The restoration program aims to improve and maintain the water quality, shellfish, habitat and fisheries of Shinnecock Bay.
McLane Research Laboratories and other oceanographic sensors, DataXplorer successfully collected over 100 viable eDNA samples in a landmark project showcasing the importance of data collection that is zero-emission and minimally invasive.
Traditional environmental DNA (eDNA) collection methods rely on crewed vessels, which are costly, labor-intensive, and limited by weather conditions and water accessibility. Shinnecock Bay, a Mission Blue Hope Spot, presents unique challenges due to its shallow waters, high density of non-AIS recreational vessels, and the need for minimally invasive sampling techniques that do not disturb the ecosystem. Additionally, ensuring that non-OOR personnel could successfully operate the uncrewed surface vehicle (USV) for extended periods required extensive training and seamless system integration.
CHALLENGE

Each deployment was designed with the following goals

HIGHLIGHTS
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OOR successfully integrated the McLane RoCSI on the deck of DataXplorer, with no noticeable impact to the behaviour and operation of the USV.
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The DataXplorer collected over 100 viable eDNA samples during its mission. Its autonomous capabilities allow for extended operations, enabling continuous sampling far beyond the limits of traditional crewed vessels
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DataXplorer successfully operated within Shinnecock Bay, a Mission Blue Hope Spot that is known for its shallow waters and having a high density of non-AIS recreational vessels.
RESULTS
eDNA Sample Collection
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Remote collection of eDNA samples occurred over eight deployments in the two-week sampling period. To compare uncrewed vs crewed methods of collection, DataXplorer was deployed alongside SBU’s bottom trawl sampling during its first deployment. When collecting samples, telemetry from the RoCSI was transmitted in real-time to XplorerView to better understand its behaviours, including the cartridge number being sampled and the sampling stage it was on. Unlike crewed operations, DataXplorer was able to sample in areas as shallow as 0.5 m, increasing both the window of time to sample and the number of samples that could be collected.


External User Piloting
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For the duration of the two-week sampling period, DataXplorer was piloted by a mix of OOR and SBU watchkeepers. SBU pilots were trained on a variety of operational tasks, including launch and recovery, pre-deployment review of the USV, remote piloting on the XplorerView Portal, and post-deployment equipment care. By the end of the sampling period, SBU pilots demonstrated a strong understanding of DataXplorer and XplorerView, highlighting how user-friendly the USV and Portal are for external users.

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Collaborators



Photos by Taylor Griffith
