ASABE Technical Library - Abstract

Abstract. Autonomous vehicles are becoming more common for many tasks including capturing photographic and other data. Simultaneously, coastal areas in Louisiana and around the world are in peril due to sea level rise, sediment subsidence and habitat impacts. One way to slow coastal erosion and rebuild land is to design artificial oyster reefs, transforming breakwaters into engineered ecosystems. These oyster reefs can aid in coastal restoration by dissipating wave energy.

 Semi-autonomous multicopters (6 kg lift capability; 18 minute flight time, electric power, six rotors) have been used to capture still photos and video of coastal projects. Among these was the LA-08 CWPPRA project consisting of two reefs placed in the Gulf of Mexico off coastal Louisiana in 2012. Each reef consisted of approximately 560 rings; 40 rings across, 7 rows, and 2 layers. The rings were 5 feet in diameter and 9 inches thick. Components of these reefs were constructed using an alternative concrete mix designed to attract oysters and promote growth. Over time, oysters have grown on the rings, increasing strength and size of the barrier. This phenomenon can help influence future structures to be more sustainable.

Using photographs captured by the multicopters, number and size of oysters were analyzed. The data shows that oyster numbers and size increased during the period in question, but also allowed differentiation of preferred locations on the reefs for oyster growth. Data from other locations shows similar trends. This unique coupling of bioengineered reefs with multicopters shows promise for both areas of interest.