BIT Services Aiken’s Post

While huge amounts of carbon are stored hidden beneath these mangrove forests, some carbon is also stored in every stem, branch, and leaf among mangrove trees. And that's visible from aerial images! We used to estimate above-ground carbon by collecting field data from trees that could cause disturbance for wildlife. Especially, when nesting birds are there. But what if we estimate above-ground carbon by drone imagery? Actually, it is one of the drone's advantages in ecological research! If we can develop efficient methods and overcome challenges drones might help us in mangrove forest conservation! Video captured in the Hara protected area on Qeshm Island.

🌿 New Partnership for Better Environmental Monitoring 🌍 We're excited to announce a new collaboration between explorer.land by OpenForests and Globhe, bringing powerful drone data directly into our explorer.land platform. This partnership will help our users see their environmental and reforestation projects in more detail, using high-resolution drone imagery to show the progress of their work. By visualizing ‘before and after’ moments, we’re making it easier for project teams to tell their story, engage stakeholders, and share the impact they’re having on the ground. We’re looking forward to helping organizations create stronger connections with their audiences, with support from Globhe’s local drone operators across 147 countries. #EnvironmentalMonitoring #DroneData #OpenForests #Reforestation #SustainableForestry #Conservation

Great to see Wavefront Systems's Solstice Multi-Aperture #Sonar in use, improving the underwater environment. Monitoring #Seagrass is important for understanding the health of #underwater habitats, and watch this space for some #reef monitoring too! https://hubs.la/Q02-VsTq0

When biology meets engineering in the heart of the savannah! Meet doctoral candidates Lucie Laporte-Devylder, a wildlife biologist, and Saadia Afridi, a drone engineer, collaborating here in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya, as part of the WildDrone team. Together, they are developing quieter drones that minimize disturbances to wildlife during data collection and conservation efforts. For Lucie, this interdisciplinary partnership is vital: "Being able to develop non-invasive monitoring methods hands in hands with an engineer is fantastic. Together, we’re bringing drone technology to the field in a way that minimizes disturbances to wildlife while unlocking valuable insights for conservation." And for Saadia, the collaboration is equally important: "I need a biologist to help me understand whether animals feel disturbed or not and to guide how we optimize drone technology for minimal impact." Their shared mission is to ensure that drones can seamlessly integrate into wildlife conservation, providing groundbreaking insights without disrupting the natural behavior of the animals they aim to protect. At the Ol Pejeta hackathon, Lucie and Saadia are working together to study how drone noise impacts species like zebras, recording noise profiles and animal behavior during both day and night. Lucie is particularly excited about combining infrared drone technology with biology, enabling new ways to observe behaviors invisible to the naked eye—whether it’s tracking thermal traces of whales in marine environments or studying vigilance behaviors of land mammals like zebras. Saadia’s focus is on reducing drone noise, ensuring that drones not only capture critical data but also respect the animals’ natural environments. The collaboration between Lucie and Saadia showcases the power of interdisciplinary teamwork in advancing conservation technology. Together, they’re proving that when biology and engineering unite, innovation follows—and the future of wildlife conservation gets a little brighter. What do you think about using drones in conservation? Let us know in the comments! #WildDroneEU, WildlifeConservation #DroneTechnology #Innovation #InterdisciplinaryCollaboration #WildDrone #OlPejeta

🔍 SeaBee Research Infrastructure is proud to contribute to the OBAMA-NEXT Project, providing cutting-edge drone technology and expertise to improve tools for mapping and monitoring marine habitats and biodiversity. 🌊🛸 Did you know that SeaBee's Assistant Coordinator Hege Gundersen also leads a Work Package in the OBAMA-NEXT project? OBAMA-NEXT aims to enhance our understanding and protection of marine ecosystems. SeaBee’s drone advancements and expertise play a key role in this effort, helping create innovative solutions for more efficient and accurate environmental monitoring. Discover more about this game-changing project: https://lnkd.in/dwTkPi-i #MarineConservation #Biodiversity #DroneTechnology #OBAMANEXT #SeaBeeNorway #EnvironmentalMonitoring

One of the least respected but most important ecosystems on Earth are seagrass meadows, and a pioneering robotic solution is helping marine scientists restore these underwater gardens. The ReefGen Grasshopper can plant dozens of seagrass seeds per minute. Not only is this faster than a human diver, but much safer as well. It works by injecting a tiny slurry of sediment wrapped around the seagrass seed into the seafloor. After covering a growing plot of four seeds, the robot ‘hops’ about 30 centimeters away and starts again. https://lnkd.in/dUkf37MB

Conservation Technology: Surveillance or Monitoring? 🌏🦅 As drones become an essential tool for wildlife monitoring, their use brings fresh ethical and political questions. While UAVs help track endangered species and prevent illegal activities like poaching, they can also blur the lines between ethical wildlife research and surveillance of local communities. Recent studies, including the one by Millner et al. (2024), reveal how drone technology can unintentionally harm local communities and marginalized groups by policing their daily activities. This raises important questions: How do we ensure drones are used responsibly in conservation? How do we protect both biodiversity and the rights of local communities? As we adopt advanced tools in conservation, we must implement robust ethical frameworks. The goal? A future where drones help balance power in conservation efforts, moving toward more equitable outcomes for people and wildlife alike. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/dQNRAiVS #ConservationTech #DronesInConservation #EthicsInResearch #WildlifeMonitoring #EnvironmentalJustice

Exciting News from Ghost Gear Disappear Inc.! We are thrilled to introduce the SeaSensor by CatchCam Technologies to our network of marine professionals, researchers, and sustainable fishing advocates. As leaders in marine conservation and innovative solutions, we’re always on the lookout for tools that align with our mission—and the SeaSensor fits perfectly! What is the SeaSensor? The SeaSensor is a high-performance underwater sensor designed for the toughest marine environments. Whether you're optimizing fishing gear, monitoring artificial reefs, or conducting long-term habitat studies, this compact, durable device delivers reliable data to support your goals. Key Features: ✔ Measures temperature, depth, turbidity, light intensity, immersion, and motion for actionable insights. ✔ Operates up to 30 days on a single charge, making it perfect for extended deployments. ✔ Compact design with 300m and 800m depth-rated options to suit diverse projects. ✔ Bluetooth connectivity for quick, hassle-free data transfer. ✔ Fully customizable with additional sensors and mounting configurations. Why It Matters: At Ghost Gear Disappear Inc., we know the importance of data-driven decisions in protecting marine ecosystems and improving sustainability. The SeaSensor is already making waves, from optimizing fishing operations to supporting habitat monitoring efforts worldwide. With its ability to integrate data into AI systems, it also represents the future of sustainable marine innovation. Let’s Work Together If you’re looking to enhance your marine projects with robust, reliable data, the SeaSensor might be the perfect tool for you. We’re here to help you explore its potential for your unique applications, from artificial reef monitoring to sustainable fishing. Let’s continue to make a difference together. Drop us a message or visit our website to learn more! #Sustainability #MarineConservation #Innovation #SeaSensor #GhostGearDisappear #MarineTechnology

Introducing YONDRONE-8: Revolutionizing Aerial Solutions with the Grand Canyon's Inspiration! 🌟 We are thrilled to unveil the DRONE-8, a state-of-the-art drone inspired by the breathtaking landscapes and geological marvels of the Grand Canyon. This revolutionary technology is designed to harness the unique attributes of the Grand Canyon, solving critical problems across various industries. Here are 8 key problems DRONE-8 addresses: Enhanced Geological Surveying 🏞️ DRONE-8’s advanced imaging capabilities allow for precise geological mapping, leveraging the diverse rock formations of the Grand Canyon to improve mineral exploration and natural resource management. Wildlife Monitoring & Conservation 🦅 Inspired by the Grand Canyon’s rich biodiversity, DRONE-8 is equipped with specialized sensors to monitor wildlife populations, track migration patterns, and support conservation efforts with minimal disturbance to natural habitats. Disaster Management & Rescue Operations 🚁 Utilizing the rugged terrain of the Grand Canyon as a testing ground, DRONE-8 excels in navigating challenging environments, providing real-time data and support during natural disasters and search and rescue missions. Archaeological Exploration 🏺 The Grand Canyon’s ancient history drives DRONE-8’s capabilities in archaeological surveys, enabling detailed documentation and preservation of historical sites with its high-resolution imaging and non-invasive scanning technologies. Tourism & Education 📸 DRONE-8 offers immersive aerial tours and educational content, bringing the awe-inspiring vistas of the Grand Canyon to a global audience, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation for natural wonders. Infrastructure Inspection 🛠️ Leveraging the Grand Canyon’s complex terrain, DRONE-8 is designed for detailed inspections of infrastructure such as bridges, dams, and power lines, ensuring safety and reducing maintenance costs with its precision and accessibility. Environmental Monitoring 🌍 DRONE-8’s advanced sensors track environmental changes, air quality, and pollution levels, using the Grand Canyon’s diverse ecosystems as a model to predict and mitigate environmental impacts worldwide. Agricultural Innovation 🌾 Inspired by the Grand Canyon’s unique microclimates, DRONE-8 supports precision agriculture by monitoring crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation needs, enhancing productivity and sustainability in farming practices. Join us in celebrating the launch of DRONE-8, where cutting-edge technology meets the awe-inspiring legacy of the Grand Canyon. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of innovation and exploring new horizons. #DroneTechnology #Innovation #GrandCanyon #AerialSolutions #EnvironmentalConservation #GeologicalSurveying #DisasterManagement #WildlifeMonitoring #ArchaeologicalExploration #Tourism #InfrastructureInspection #EnvironmentalMonitoring #AgriculturalInnovation

Really impressive use of UAVs in protection of ocean biodiversity https://lnkd.in/egTdkM9u