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Cyprus is making waves with a groundbreaking project that uses small, high-tech underwater drones to keep an eye on artificial reefs designed to help marine life thrive. These autonomous underwater vehicles, or AUVs, are the future of ocean monitoring, offering scientists a way to protect and study these reefs without the need for big, expensive equipment.
The artificial reefs, made using 3D printing and eco-friendly materials, are being placed in the sea around Cyprus to attract marine life to areas that are usually empty. But it’s not just about building the reefs – it’s also about watching them grow. That’s where the AUVs come in.
These small drones are equipped with cameras and sensors that send real-time data back to scientists at the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI). The AUVs can stay underwater for up to a month, quietly collecting data and keeping watch for any threats like illegal fishing or boats that might damage the reefs. They can even recharge on the reefs themselves, ensuring the monitoring continues without interruption.
"These AUVs are like underwater protectors,” says Zakarias Siokouros, CEO of CMMI. “They give us constant updates on how the reefs are doing and help us keep them safe.”
Right now, a test of the project is happening near Ayia Napa Marina, with plans to expand to the waters around Limassol, where the reefs will be placed about 20 meters deep, where sunlight can still reach. This depth is perfect for creating a safe, healthy environment for marine life to flourish.
“The goal is to create a place where fish and other creatures can find food and shelter,” Siokouros explains. “By creating these artificial reefs, we’re helping marine life return to areas where it’s been missing.”
The project, called EONIOS, is a collaboration between CMMI, French AUV maker Arkeocean, Cypriot tech company SignalGeneriX, and the French consultancy Lanego. Together, they plan to use this new technology in other countries that want to build up their fish populations using artificial reefs.
What makes the AUVs special is that they’re much cheaper to operate than traditional underwater drones. A small fleet of these mini-drones can do the same job as one large, tethered drone but at a much lower cost, according to Arkeocean’s Tamara Brizard.
“They’re lightweight, stealthy, and can go deep into the ocean to gather data,” Brizard says. “Plus, they’re useful for other things, like monitoring offshore oil and gas activity or finding places to build renewable energy farms.”
While the main goal is to protect the artificial reefs and help marine life thrive, these AUVs could be used in many other ways, making them an important tool for both environmental and industrial purposes.
Source: AP News
