Boaters may see an unusual vessel in Lake Erie this summer.
The U.S. Geological Survey has launched autonomous surface and underwater vehicles to take stock of the fish populations in the lake.
The Saildrone Explorer is a wind and solar-powered uncrewed vehicle that was launched in Pennsylvania last week.
The vehicle is equipped with several environmental sensors to detect fish. It will operate in Lake Erie this summer in the western, central, and eastern basis through the end of September.
“Monitoring Lake Erie fish populations is integral to sustainable management of the recreational and commercial Lake Erie fishery, but fish community changes and dynamic habitat conditions often create monitoring challenges. We are excited to collaborate with the USGS to explore the use of autonomous vehicles for monitoring Lake Erie fish populations and fisheries,” said David Nihard, Fisheries Management Chief for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Chair of the Lake Erie Committee.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is one of the many partners in the project.
