Dorado Semi-Submersible Auv Hits The Water
June 16th, 2016
A team of researchers from Dalhousie University are bringing environmental and water quality monitoring capability to the AUV. A comprehensive suite of measurements housed on the AUV will allow scientists to remotely survey near-surface/sea-surface conditions.
Funded by the Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response (MEOPAR) Network, Principal investigators, Dr. Douglas Wallace and Dr. Mae Seto saw the opportunity to employ Dorado as a way to rapidly survey large areas of the surface ocean. Chris L’Esperance, a PhD student at Dalhousie University’s Department of Oceanography, supported by a team from the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ocean Science and Technology Laboratory, is leading the design, integration and testing of the system. On loan from Defence Research Development Canada (Dorado’s Owner/Operator), L’Esperance and ISE’s Operations Team are in Belcarra until 17 June 2016.
MEOPAR
Established in 2012 through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program, the Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response (MEOPAR) Network is strengthening resilience and opportunity in Canada’s marine environment by funding interdisciplinary academic research, developing highly qualified personnel with expertise in marine risk and response, and by connecting academic research and technology to national and international partners in government, industry, and the public sector.
MEOPAR funds interdisciplinary research, trains students and researchers, mobilises new knowledge and tools, and facilitates partnerships between the academic, government, industry, NGO and other sectors to reduce Canada’s vulnerability to marine hazards and emergencies.