The DriX USV echo sounder , developed by Exail, has successfully completed a fishery research study aimed at assessing the impact on biomass and fish stocks related to the construction of wind farms.
DriX USV Missions
It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including Exail’s SeapiX-R 3D multibeam echo sounder, two Kongsberg EK80 single-beam echo sounders, and a Nortek ADCP, the USV DriX conducted the mission in the waters off Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York. These advanced instruments allowed the collection of detailed data on the underwater environment, essential for the research.
The project was commissioned by NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Research Center (NEFSC) and was implemented in collaboration with NOAA’s USxOC, along with technical support from Kongsberg and Nortek.
The USV DriX demonstrated its capabilities by covering more than 5,000 kilometers of shipping lanes, maneuvering with precision near wind farm monopiles and avoiding obstacles such as ships, fishing nets and buoys. This 24/7 operation highlighted the reliability and efficiency of the USV in challenging conditions.
Exail’s impact and development for the marine ecosystem
During the mission, the USV shared in real time its findings with a Remote Operations Center (ROC) located at the University of Rhode Island’s Inner Space Center and Exail’s maritime autonomy center in France. This instantaneous data transmission ensured effective analysis and follow-up of the study.
Shayan Haque, Director of Business Development for Exailor’s Exail expressed his gratitude to NOAA Fisheries’ Northeast Fisheries Research Science Center for relying on the USV and Exail’s sensory technology. He emphasized the importance of the accurate scientific data obtained, from the detection of biomass to detailed bathymetry, as a significant contribution to the field of marine research.
Exail’s coordination with key entities, including the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Southeast New England, wind farm developers and local navigators, was crucial to ensure safe operation of the USV in areas of high navigation and challenging wind farm construction environments.
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Source and Photo: iXblue
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