Open Ocean Robotics worked with Stony Brook University, University of Waterloo, McLane Research Laboratories, and the Shinnecock Indian Nation on a mission to help restore the Shinnecock Bay ecosystem.
Using its autonomous DataXplorer™ uncrewed surface vessel (USV), Open Ocean Robotics collected essential data on marine species in the bay, operating with zero greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring no harm to the environment.
The DataXplorer™ USV was outfitted with McLane’s RoCSI™ eDNA sampler, which gathered genetic material naturally shed by marine organisms. This non-invasive technique allowed researchers to monitor species without disturbing their habitats—unlike traditional trawling, which can damage delicate ecosystems.
The DataXplorer accessed shallow and remote waters beyond the reach of crewed vessels, offering unique insights into the hard-to-study areas.
This mission is an integral part of efforts to aid Shinnecock Bay’s recovery from the damaging brown and red tides of the 1980s, which caused significant harm to local marine life. The DataXplorer™ collected and preserved additional samples to support the restoration of the ecological area, maintaining emission-free operations.
Dr. Fritz Stahr, CTO of Open Ocean Robotics, commented, “This integration was a great example of bringing two key technical innovations together to improve the observational capabilities of an experienced oceanographic team. We appreciated everyone’s collaboration, particularly McLane’s, to get the full system integrated in time for Stony Brook’s annual September sampling in Shinnecock Bay, and we’re honored to be part of an Explorers Club Flag expedition in this recovering ocean environment. We hope to do more such eDNA sampling work with a RoCSI on a DataXplorer in the future.”
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