USM expands ocean research using unmanned vessels

Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, August 6th 2025 at 4:33 GMT by WLOX
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SeaTrac describes the unmanned vessels as the next generation of science.

University of Southern Mississippi Pioneers Oceanographic Research with Expanding Fleet of Unmanned Vessels

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is significantly bolstering its oceanographic research capabilities through a substantial expansion of its unmanned vessel program, marking a pivotal shift towards more efficient, cost-effective, and safer data collection in the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. As detailed by WLOX News, this initiative represents a strategic investment in cutting-edge technology to address critical environmental challenges facing coastal ecosystems and contribute to broader scientific understanding of our oceans.

For years, USM’s marine science programs have been recognized for their contributions to understanding the complex dynamics of the Gulf of Mexico, an area increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, pollution, and resource depletion. Traditional research methods often rely on manned vessels, which are inherently expensive to operate – factoring in fuel costs, crew salaries, maintenance, and logistical support – and can be limited by weather conditions and safety concerns. The adoption of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and underwater gliders offers a compelling alternative, allowing researchers to gather data continuously over extended periods, access hazardous areas without risking human lives, and significantly reduce operational expenses.

The current expansion focuses on adding several new platforms to USM’s existing fleet. While the specifics of each vessel type aren't exhaustively detailed in the report, it is clear that the university is diversifying its capabilities. USVs, essentially robotic boats, are being deployed for surface water quality monitoring, mapping coastal habitats, and tracking marine life movements. These vessels can be programmed to follow pre-determined routes or operate autonomously, collecting data on parameters like temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity (water clarity), and chlorophyll levels – all vital indicators of ecosystem health. The ability to collect this data remotely allows researchers to monitor changes over time and identify potential threats before they escalate into larger problems.

Complementing the USVs are underwater gliders, sophisticated autonomous robots that navigate beneath the surface using buoyancy control and internal batteries. These gliders can descend to depths exceeding 1000 feet, collecting data on water temperature, salinity, currents, and even acoustic profiles – providing a three-dimensional picture of the ocean environment. Their ability to operate for weeks or even months at a time without human intervention is particularly valuable for long-term monitoring projects and studying deep-sea ecosystems that are otherwise difficult to access.

The rationale behind this expansion isn't solely about technological advancement; it’s deeply intertwined with addressing pressing environmental concerns specific to the Gulf of Mexico region. The report highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of harmful algal blooms (HABs), also known as “red tides,” which can devastate marine life, impact fisheries, and pose risks to human health. USM researchers are utilizing their unmanned vessels to monitor HAB events in real-time, track their movement, and understand the factors that contribute to their formation and spread. This information is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and providing timely warnings to coastal communities.

Furthermore, the expanding fleet will be instrumental in assessing the impacts of climate change on Gulf Coast ecosystems. Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and changes in water temperature are all impacting marine habitats and threatening vulnerable species. The continuous data streams provided by USVs and gliders allow researchers to track these changes over time and develop predictive models that can inform coastal management decisions. The ability to monitor subtle shifts in environmental conditions is critical for understanding the long-term consequences of climate change and adapting strategies accordingly.

Beyond immediate regional concerns, USM’s unmanned vessel program also contributes to broader scientific endeavors. The data collected by these platforms can be integrated with global oceanographic datasets, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of ocean processes worldwide. The university is actively collaborating with other research institutions and government agencies to share its expertise and resources, fostering a collaborative approach to ocean exploration and conservation.

A key element of USM’s success in this area lies in the interdisciplinary nature of its marine science program. The unmanned vessel initiative isn't solely driven by engineers or roboticists; it involves collaboration between biologists, chemists, oceanographers, and data scientists. This collaborative approach ensures that the technology is deployed effectively to address specific research questions and that the data collected is interpreted accurately within a broader ecological context. The report emphasizes the importance of training students in these emerging technologies, equipping them with the skills needed to become future leaders in oceanographic research.

The university’s commitment extends beyond simply acquiring new vessels; it includes developing sophisticated software and analytical tools to process and interpret the vast amounts of data generated by these platforms. This involves creating algorithms that can identify patterns, anomalies, and trends in the data, allowing researchers to gain deeper insights into complex ocean processes. The ability to rapidly analyze and disseminate this information is crucial for informing decision-making and responding effectively to emerging environmental challenges.

The expansion also addresses a growing need within the scientific community for more accessible and affordable oceanographic research tools. Traditional methods often create barriers to entry, limiting participation from smaller institutions or researchers with limited funding. By embracing unmanned vessel technology, USM is democratizing access to oceanographic data and fostering greater collaboration across the scientific landscape.

Looking ahead, USM envisions further expanding its unmanned vessel program, incorporating new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to enhance autonomous capabilities and improve data analysis. The potential for AI-powered vessels to adapt to changing conditions, identify unexpected events, and optimize data collection strategies is immense. The university also plans to explore the use of underwater drones – remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) – to conduct more detailed inspections of marine habitats and investigate specific areas of interest.

Ultimately, USM’s investment in unmanned vessels represents a significant step forward for oceanographic research, offering a powerful new toolset for understanding and protecting our oceans. The program's success underscores the importance of embracing innovation and fostering collaboration to address the complex environmental challenges facing coastal communities and the planet as a whole. The ability to gather data continuously, access remote areas safely, and reduce operational costs will undoubtedly accelerate scientific discovery and contribute to more informed decision-making for years to come.

Read the Full WLOX Article at:
[ https://www.wlox.com/2025/08/05/usm-expands-ocean-research-using-unmanned-vessels/ ]

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USM expands ocean research using unmanned vessels

University of Southern Mississippi Pioneers Oceanographic Research with Expanding Fleet of Unmanned Vessels