Proposal

Narrative

The Florida Manatee is federally listed as a threatened species due to various threats such as habitat loss, cold stress, and collisions with boats. These are marine mammals that live underwater in isolated or hard to reach areas. Using drones to observe manatees is a non-invasive way to study their population and allows the researcher to investigate areas that otherwise would be impossible to view. My master’s thesis will be applying the use of drones to observe manatee movements in portions of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). The use of drones to study marine mammals, especially manatees, is relatively new and is becoming increasingly common (Ramos et al. 2018). An in-depth study using drones to observe the manatee movements in and around Harbor Branch has yet to be done. We have three designated locations where we plan to operate drones: Round Island Riverside Park, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI). We will be using drone video footage to investigate a potentially resident population of manatees that frequent HBOI and surrounding locations in the IRL (Goldsworthy 2016). Where some of these more local manatees spend the winter is an unanswered question. Historically, the St. Sebastian River was a known overwintering site (Bangs 1895), however it has since undergone many significant changes and whether it is still suitable for overwintering is yet to be seen, although visitations by manatees are known during the winter at this site. Using drone footage, we will be able to obtain clear images of individuals (using scar patterns) to help build onto the existing program at HBOI Manatee Project, which now recognizes >500 different individuals based on unique scar patterns. We could also answer questions as to whether local manatees are staying in the Sebastian River over the winter or just visiting to drink fresher water.

Facilities

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) - where drones will be operated.

Hardware Requirements

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Drone, 4 extra drone batteries, 2 64GB microSD card, battery charging hub, carrying case, portable solar panel. The equipment to conduct this project efficiently are as follows: DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 Drone, five DJI Phantom 4 Series - High Capacity Batteries 5870mAh, two 64GB microSD card, Phantom 4 Battery Charging Hub, portable solar panel charger, and a carrying case. The total amount for equipment equates to $2,753.97. Battery life is a limiting factor so having 5 batteries will allow us to conduct reasonably timed surveys. A portable solar panel will help extend flight time by recharging batteries that have been used. During each survey we will be recording high quality video footage, so it would be best to have storage large enough to account for this. A carrying case for the drone is imperative for ensuring the safety of not only the drone itself, but the accessories along with it.

Software Requirements

None

Personnel Costs

None

Other Costs

None

Timeline

Conduct drone flights 2021 and 2022 (2 years).

Sustainability

The drone used for this project can be used again for later projects not just pertaining to manatee research. This is not a one-time use. The same equipment can be used overtime.

Resource Matching

None

Implementing Organization

Wilkes Honors College