In a groundbreaking advancement for marine conservation, a team from the School of Navigation at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an has developed innovative submersibles that mimic the graceful movements of manta rays. These soft-body submersibles are designed specifically for monitoring and protecting coral reefs, showcasing China's commitment to preserving vital marine ecosystems.
The research and development journey began in 2006, with the team meticulously studying the swimming patterns of various marine organisms to create prototypes that can navigate the complex underwater landscapes of coral reefs. This biomimetic approach ensures that the submersibles are not only efficient but also minimally disruptive to marine life.
Recently, these advanced submersibles have been instrumental in tracking outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish in the South China Sea. These starfish are known to devastate coral populations by feeding on them, posing a significant threat to the health of coral reef systems. By providing real-time data and insights, the submersibles enable more effective management and mitigation strategies to protect these fragile environments.
The team has developed both smaller and larger models of the submersibles to cater to different monitoring needs. The smaller units are primarily used for marine education and routine coral reef surveys, while the larger models are capable of diving deeper and staying submerged for extended periods, allowing for comprehensive data collection in more challenging conditions.
Addressing concerns about the submersibles' safety in the wild, Professor Cao Yong assured that the manta ray-like design minimizes the risk of interactions with marine predators. \"Under normal circumstances, the working scene of small submersibles is under control. The large one has a wingspan of more than 4 meters. Typically, sharks will not touch it. But younger whales are more playful and may use their tails to damage it. To mitigate this, we will warn or drive away the whale through some sound,\" Cao explained. Additionally, the team has applied a layer of hydrogel to the submersibles' surfaces to prevent the attachment of microorganisms, ensuring optimal navigation and longevity.
These innovative submersibles not only enhance our ability to monitor and protect coral reefs but also serve as educational tools to inspire the next generation of marine scientists and conservationists. As the team continues to refine and expand their technology, the potential for broader applications in marine research and environmental protection looks promising.
Reference(s):
China designs 'manta ray' submersible for coral reef monitoring
cgtn.com
