Marine drones measure climate change effects to water off Hawaii

Three semi-autonomous uncrewed marine drones have set sail from Honolulu for a six-month mission collecting data off the coasts of Hawaii’s larger islands to measure the acidic effects of climate change on nearshore oceanic environments.

The three surface Explorer UAVs produced by Saildrone have begun their half-year scientific journey, during which they will gather marine data up to five kilometers off the coasts of Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and Hawaii Island. In particular, the study of pH and carbon dioxide measurements taken from the craft will permit researchers to better understand how much nearshore waters are accumulating fossil fuel emissions.

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Deployment of the new maritime UAVs will mark a significant improvement in capabilities over earlier generations of marine drones and crewed boats off Hawaii. The updated craft will permit 24/7 operation, and real-time…