What's Happening?
Woolpert and Saildrone have teamed up to provide bathymetric survey data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This collaboration supports NOAA's initiatives for safe navigation and national ocean mapping, specifically focusing
on the Mariana Islands. Woolpert, known for its lidar and sonar bathymetry data, was chosen by NOAA to map the seafloor off the eastern coast of the Mariana Islands. The project involves the use of a 20-meter Saildrone Surveyor, an uncrewed surface vehicle designed for deep-ocean mapping. This vehicle operates autonomously, using a combination of a high-efficiency diesel engine and wind energy to maximize fuel efficiency. The Saildrone Surveyor began collecting high-resolution bathymetric data across a 13,000-square-nautical-mile area in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. The data is transmitted to Woolpert in near-real time for processing and final delivery.
Why It's Important?
This partnership is significant as it enhances NOAA's ability to understand and manage marine ecosystems and geohazards within the U.S. exclusive economic zone. The data collected will fill critical gaps in bathymetric information, aiding in the protection of sensitive habitats and the expansion of taxonomic reference libraries for marine organisms. The use of autonomous technology in this project demonstrates a shift towards more efficient and cost-effective methods of ocean exploration. The ability of the Saildrone Surveyor to operate for extended periods, regardless of weather conditions, makes it a valuable tool for continuous data collection in challenging environments.
What's Next?
The contract for this project is expected to conclude in May 2026. As the data collection progresses, NOAA will likely use the information to enhance its oceanographic models and ecosystem management strategies. The success of this project could lead to further collaborations between Woolpert, Saildrone, and NOAA, potentially expanding to other regions requiring detailed ocean mapping. The integration of autonomous systems in ocean exploration may also inspire similar initiatives in other sectors, promoting the use of technology to overcome logistical challenges in data acquisition.
