Forefront of "Shark" research: Ecology with drone, AI warn -on system

　Drones are starting to be used in the field of animal behavior, but drones have become an important tool in shark ecology research and warning systems.Introducing the technical forefront of shark research from the recently announced discussion.

Observation of sharks by drone

　Almost half of unprotected public sea sharks have been exposed to extinction.However, the ecology of sharks was difficult to observe and the variety of the sharks, so research did not progress easily.

　The drone, which is a small unmanned flight robot, has become easier to operate due to improvements and lighter in actuator (floating device) and lithium -ion battery, and the development of posture control technology by sensor has become easier and affordable.It is widely used in biological ecology and observation research.Recently, Australian research groups have published a discussion about drones used for shark research ( * 1).

　This discussion introduces drones used in 32 sea territory, such as the United States, Australia, Atlantic Ocean, and Africa, such as so -called rotor drones, glider -like drones, underwater drones.Unfortunately, research in Japan has not been featured.Of course, in Japan, research ( * 2) using underwater drones (underwater robots) is being conducted to track sea turtles.

　In research on sharks utilizing drones, we observe basic behavior and movement of each individual, social interactions with groups and other species, and predation behavior.The aim is to prevent shark ecology research, but also prevent accidents due to protection and accidental approach to humans.

　There is a threat from the sharks to approach sharks and observing them, but there is a great danger in the harsh environment of the ocean.Using a drone makes it easier to discover, track, and observe sharks, and have the advantage of being able to research researchers without danger.

　The drones used in this way include a so -called drone that flies for a short time with multiple rotors, a fixed wing machine that can be used for a long time (~ several hours), and underwater drones like a submarine.Multiple rotor drones have high mobility and can be hovered, but if the wind is strong, it becomes unstable and the flight time is tens of minutes.

　These drones are equipped with cameras, sensors, and data transmits that shoot still images and videos, and collect data remotely or autonomous.Of course, in the case of a remotely piloted drone, it is limited to places where you can see drones along the coast, and there are many legal regulations such as airlines depending on the countries and regions.

Detect the type of shark with AI

　The underwater drone has a large AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, an autonomous unmanned submarine) and a ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle, a remote -controlled unmanned submarine).In both cases, shark observation research has a significant effect of transparency, sea current, weather, etc. of seawater.

　By using a drone, the body shark predators, such as the ecology of the Japanese seals, the predation behavior of the spots that prey on other sharks, the behavior of the individuals, and its numerical value, and the scales of whales flock to whales.It can be observed, such as behavior, reproductive behavior, behavior in the ocean, and the distribution of sharks at coral reefs.

　In addition, drones that observe sharks from the air are often used to prevent shark accidents in the waters suitable for beaches and surfing.In previous studies, shark discovery is almost the same as manned helicopters.

　In drones, multi -spectrum sensors that record electromagnetic waves in different wavelengths as images are also being used in drones, but observation with this technology seems to be underdeveloped.

　On the other hand, the detection technique using AI (artificial intelligence) is progressing dramatically, and using a slight shade to detect sharks in the sea from the sky to make alarms, and from the form of the fins of the wheel shark, individual identification.You can do it.

　According to this discussion, shark detection using AI enhanced learning will continue to increase accuracy, but it is possible to prevent accidents caused by sharks by distinguishing dangerous types of sharks.It will be.In addition, in the enhancement learning of AI using image data, it is possible to use accidental data of drones that have been skipped instead of research purposes.

　Drone technology, which is progressing dramatically, can be applied to various fields.According to this discussion, the combination of drones in the air and in the sea will deepen understanding of sharks and other wildlife, and can help protect and manage resources.

* 1: Paul A.Butcher, et al., "The Drone Revolution of Shark Science: a Review" DRONES, VOL.5, Issu8, DOI.org/10.3390/DRONES5010008, 2021

* 2: Toshihiro Maki, E Ta L., "Tracking a Sea Turtle by an auv with with a Multive with with a Multive with a Multive with a MultibeaM imaging Sonar: Toward Robotic Observation of Marine Life" International Journal of CONTROL, AUTOMATEM.18 (3), 597-604, 2020