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Journal article
The potential of unmanned aerial systems for sea turtle research and conservation: a review and future directions
Endangered species research, v 35, pp 81-100
01 Jan 2018
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
The use of satellite systems and manned aircraft surveys for remote data collection has been shown to be transformative for sea turtle conservation and research by enabling the collection of data on turtles and their habitats over larger areas than can be achieved by surveys on foot or by boat. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones are increasingly being adopted to gather data, at previously unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions in diverse geographic locations. This easily accessible, low-cost tool is improving existing research methods and enabling novel approaches in marine turtle ecology and conservation. Here we review the diverse ways in which incorporating inexpensive UAVs may reduce costs and field time while improving safety and data quality and quantity over existing methods for studies on turtle nesting, at-sea distribution and behaviour surveys, as well as expanding into new avenues such as surveillance against illegal take. Furthermore, we highlight the impact that high-quality aerial imagery captured by UAVs can have for public outreach and engagement. This technology does not come without challenges. We discuss the potential constraints of these systems within the ethical and legal frameworks which researchers must operate and the difficulties that can result with regard to storage and analysis of large amounts of imagery. We then suggest areas where technological development could further expand the utility of UAVs as data-gathering tools; for example, functioning as downloading nodes for data collected by sensors placed on turtles. Development of methods for the use of UAVs in sea turtle research will serve as case studies for use with other marine and terrestrial taxa.
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Details
- Title
- The potential of unmanned aerial systems for sea turtle research and conservation: a review and future directions
- Creators
- Alan F. Rees - University of ExeterLarisa Avens - NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Fisheries Science CenterKatia Ballorain - French National Agency for Water and Aquatic EnvironmentsElizabeth Bevan - University of Alabama at BirminghamAnnette C. Broderick - University of ExeterRaymond R. Carthy - United States Geological SurveyMarjolijn J. A. Christianen - Radboud University NijmegenGwenael Duclos - WIPSEAMichael R. Heithaus - Florida International UniversityDavid W. Johnston - Duke UniversityJeffrey C. Mangel - University of ExeterFrank Paladino - Drexel UniversityKellie Pendoley - Pendoley EnvironmentalRichard D. Reina - Monash UniversityNathan J. Robinson - Cape Eleuthera InstituteRobert Ryan - Pendoley EnvironmentalSeth T. Sykora-Bodie - Duke UniversityDominic Tilley - University of ExeterMiguel R. Varela - University of ExeterElizabeth R. Whitman - Florida International UniversityPaul A. Whittock - Pendoley EnvironmentalThane Wibbels - University of Alabama at BirminghamBrendan J. Godley - University of Exeter
- Publication Details
- Endangered species research, v 35, pp 81-100
- Publisher
- Inter-Research
- Number of pages
- 20
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000446483300004
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85043482759
- Other Identifier
- 991019168123804721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Biodiversity Conservation