Swarm of Underwater Drones to Revive Marine Life Around Cyprus

In a groundbreaking initiative, Cyprus is set to use a swarm of small, independent underwater drones to enhance and protect artificial reefs in its waters. This innovative project aims to attract marine life to areas that have been left barren over time.

Monitoring and Protecting Artificial Reefs

Officials announced that these autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) will monitor the artificial reefs, which are designed to foster the growth of marine ecosystems. Equipped with advanced sensors and high-definition cameras, these drones will provide scientists from the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) with valuable data about the reefs' effectiveness.

The artificial reefs themselves are constructed from a special eco-friendly cement mixture. Each reef will include a docking station where AUVs can recharge and transfer the collected data, including video footage of the underwater environment.

Long-term Data Collection and Protection

One of the significant advantages of these AUVs is their ability to remain submerged for extended periods, up to one month. During this time, they will gather continuous data and help safeguard the reefs by monitoring for illegal fishing activities and other disturbances in the protected waters. The scientists can then relay any concerns to local authorities to ensure better protection of these vital marine environments.

A trial run for this initiative, named EONIOS, is underway near the Ayia Napa marina. The next phase involves placing the artificial reefs off the coast of Limassol, at a depth of about 20 meters (66 feet), where sunlight can still reach the seabed, promoting flourishing underwater ecosystems.

Attracting Marine Life

As CMMI CEO Zakarias Siokouros explained, the artificial reefs are intended to draw a wide range of marine organisms, from small plants to larger fish. In regions like Cyprus, where there is insufficient food supply for aquatic life, these reefs create the necessary conditions to encourage fish populations to thrive.

Collaborative Effort

The EONIOS project is a collaboration among CMMI, the French AUV manufacturer Arkeocean, the Cypriot tech firm SignalGeneriX, and the French consultancy company Lanego. This partnership not only focuses on local ecological restoration but also aims to promote the concept of artificial reefs to other countries looking to enhance their fish stocks.

Cost-Effective and Versatile Applications

A notable benefit of using AUVs is their cost-effectiveness. According to Arkeocean official Tamara Brizard, six of these mini-drones can accomplish the work traditionally done by one conventional drone, resulting in significant savings. The drones can carry up to 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of equipment and operate at depths reaching up to 300 meters (984 feet), with plans for future versions to go even deeper.

These AUVs are designed for stealth, making them nearly undetectable while they monitor sensitive environments. Additionally, they can harness undersea currents to extend battery life, making them efficient tools not only for marine biodiversity monitoring but also for applications in offshore energy exploration.

Overall, this pioneering project in Cyprus represents a significant step towards restoring marine habitats and understanding the complexities of underwater ecosystems.

Cyprus, drones, marine, technology, environment