Survey Vessel Research Articles

Identifying macrofloating debris hotspots in the Mediterranean Sea applying multiplatform methodologies

The Mediterranean Sea is considered the world's sixth greatest hotspot for marine litter; however, quantifying the extent of marine debris in the oceans is a challenge, especially due to variations in survey methodologies. This study aims to assess the spatial abundance and distribution of macrofloating debris (> 2.5 cm) in the Mediterranean basin through visual surveys carried out by methods (research vessel, sailing vessel, and aerial) and approaches (science and citizen science). Aerial and research vessel surveys estimated litter at 1.88 ± 2.3 items·km−2 and 0.89 ± 1.61 items·km−2 respectively for the whole Mediterranean; moreover both methods agreed that the main macrofloating debris hotspots were in the east of Algeria, Tyrrhenian, Adriatic and Alboran Seas. Likewise, for the common blocks analysed aerial surveys estimated greater amounts of macrofloating debris than research vessels (mean 1.92 ± 2.61 items·km−2 vs. 0.94 ± 1.69 items·km−2) highlighting the different detection capacities of the two methods. In the Spanish Mediterranean continental shelf, results obtained from research vessels showed mean values of 8.6 ± 7.8 items·km−2 for 2021 and 3.86 ± 3.96 items·km−2 for 2022. Sailing vessels along the Spanish coastline registered up to 70.87 ± 257.23 items·km−2 in waters of the Cabrera Island, which is a Marine Protected Area. No significant differences between citizen science and scientific methods were found, which suggests that the implementation of this tool could be very useful in obtaining greater datasets. Results on the abundance of macrofloating debris could be attributed to various factors, including the influence of mighty rivers, a dense population in these areas, especially during some seasons like summer, and the effect of some currents and eddies, such as the Algerian and the northern currents, which also influence the transboundary plastics.

Paired comparisons with quiet surface drones show evidence of fish behavioral response to motorized vessels during acoustic surveys in Lake Superior

Acoustic surveys are important for fish stock assessments, but fish responses to survey vessels can bias acoustic estimates. We leveraged quiet uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to characterize potential bias in acoustic surveys. Five conventional motorized ships overtook USVs from astern over 2 km transects at night in Lake Superior in 2022. We examined the difference in acoustic backscatter, average target depth, and average target strength (TS) between USV and motorized vessels. Although sound level measurements from the motorized vessels sometimes exceeded recommendations for scientific vessels, we did not detect differences in acoustic measures among survey vessels. However, the USVs recorded 2 dB higher acoustic backscatter and TS than motorized vessels, leading to ∼15% higher fish densities with drones when using in situ TS and echo integration. Differences in fish density would increase to 30%–60% if a standard TS value was applied. Target depth did not differ between USVs and motorized ships. These results are consistent with a change in orientation but not depth of insonified fish and limited horizontal avoidance of motorized survey vessels.

Passive acoustic surveys demonstrate high densities of sperm whales off the mid-Atlantic coast of the USA in winter and spring

Oceans are increasingly crowded by anthropogenic activities yet the impact on Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) marine life remains largely unquantified. The MAPS (Marine Mammal Acoustic and Spatial Ecology) study of 2019 included passive acoustic and visual vessel surveys over the Mid-Atlantic OCS of the USA to address data gaps in winter/spring for deep-diving cetaceans, including sperm whales. Echolocation clicks were used to derive slant ranges to sperm whales for design- and model-based density estimates. Although more survey effort was realised in the spring, high densities of whales were identified in both winter and spring (10.46 and 8.89 per 1000 km2 respectively). The spring model-based abundance estimate of 1587 whales (CI 946–2663) was considered the most representative figure, in part due to lower coefficients of variation. Modelling suggested that high densities of whales were associated with warm core rings, eddies and edges. As OCS waters provide an important foraging habitat for North Atlantic sperm whales, appropriate mitigation is required to ensure commercial pressures to develop offshore energy do not negatively affect this endangered species.

A wind-to-wake approach for selecting future marine fuels and powertrains

Global shipping contributes (2.8%) to greenhouse gas emissions and needs to find future fuels which will allow the International Maritime organisation's 2050 net zero targets to be met. There is much uncertainty as to which fuels should be used between hydrogen, ammonia or methanol as future costs are uncertain. We propose and evaluate a Wind-to-Wake ratio that provides an objective measure based on the amount of renewable energy required to propel a ship. Time domain voyage energy demand profiles are used to simulate the fuel used and emissions for a cruise ship, a research survey vessel, a container ship and a large multi-fuel Liquefied Natural Gas carrier. Alternative ship power systems are investigated using various carbon-based fuels, ammonia and hydrogen either using conventional engines or fuel cells. For all voyage and fuel scenarios the combination of hydrogen and fuel cells uses 30% less renewable energy than ammonia and 26% less than methanol. Hydrogen only emits steam whereas the other fuel scenarios still emit significant amounts of greenhouse gasses.

Research on multi-beam survey line system based on dynamic programming algorithm

This paper establishes a calculation model for the coverage width and overlap rate of a multi-beam survey line system [1], and optimizes the multi-beam bathymetric survey plan for marine areas. Through the dynamic programming algorithm, a reasonable survey line plan is designed based on the actual marine area depth. The research content includes: Model Establishment: Construct a calculation model for coverage width and overlap rate, determining the coverage width and overlap rate at each position. Three-Dimensional Space Model: Using the survey vessel as the origin and combining marine area information, solve for the coverage width at different angles. Shortest Survey Line Plan: Using the dynamic programming algorithm, determine the shortest survey line plan, with the dynamic transfer equation determined by the overlap rate index. The total length of the survey line in this plan is calculated to be 114,824 meters. Specific Survey Line Plan Design: Using sea depth data and cubic spline interpolation to complete the discrete point plane, construct approximate width and slope. Under the condition of relaxing the overlap rate to 5%-30%, the shortest survey line length is obtained as 398,059 meters, with a missing survey area ratio of 0%, and the total length of parts with an overlap rate exceeding 20% is 25,759 meters, accounting for 6.4%. This study provides theoretical basis and calculation methods for optimizing multi-beam bathymetric survey plans.

Research on Hull Form Design and Numerical Simulation of Sinkage and Trim for a New Shallow-Water Seismic Survey Vessel

Research on Hull Form Design and Numerical Simulation of Sinkage and Trim for a New Shallow-Water Seismic Survey Vessel

Side‐Scan Sonar as a Tool For Measuring Fish Populations: Current State of the Science and Future Directions

Side‐scan sonar (SSS) is a powerful tool that can be used to address many key questions in fisheries science. In principle, SSS uses dual transducers to transmit a narrow‐beam, wide‐angle acoustic signal as the survey vessel transits an area. The intensity of reflected sound is recorded to generate an image mosaic comprised of benthic substrates and targets in the water column, including organisms such as fish. Although SSS has been around for decades, recent advancements have opened new opportunities to leverage this technology to directly measure fish populations. In this paper, we review the current state of the science and identify opportunities to further refine SSS for fisheries applications.

Experimental and numerical study of the added resistance and seakeeping performance of a new unmanned survey catamaran

Experimental and numerical methods were employed to investigate the added resistance and seakeeping performance of an innovative unmanned catamaran for offshore surveying. Model experiments validated numerical results from viscous flow computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling using the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations and the potential flow method. URANS modeling precisely predicted the catamaran's performance in regular waves, and the potential flow method offered effective short-term predictions in irregular waves. Simulations were performed at three velocities (4, 6, and 8 knots). The results highlight the fundamental relationships between added resistance and motion responses with changing wave conditions. The extreme motion responses generated by typical actual sea conditions are summarized. The added resistance and motion responses are greatest when the wavelength is slightly longer than the length of the catamaran and the encounter frequency, fe, is ∼1.2. The optimal velocity of the catamaran is 6 knots. The seakeeping performance of the catamaran was assessed using existing indicators for manned vessels. Compared with manned vessels, unmanned survey vessels are more tolerant of first-order motion response but require stricter limitations on second-order accelerations in each degree of freedom.

Characterizing behavioral responses of Pacific cod to bottom trawl vessels and gear using archival tag accelerometer data

Fish behavior during the capture process affects the overall efficiency of survey vessels and gear, influencing selectivity and catchability, which in turn influences stock assessments. The effects of behavior on capture are typically investigated through experiments that use video or acoustic technologies to observe behavioral responses of fish to vessels and gear directly. While these approaches provide valuable information about fish behavior, their use is limited to observing the movement of fish inside a small observed area. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate a novel application of bio-logging Pop-up Satellite Archival Tags (PSATs) equipped with accelerometer sensors to observe behavioral responses of free-swimming demersal fish to approaching bottom trawl fishing vessels and gear. By combining PSAT and fishing vessel geolocation data from the Vessel Monitoring System, we characterized diving and herding responses of three individual Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) at-liberty for 21–106 days to trawling fishing vessels. We found that fish descended as trawlers approached, presumably in response to noise generated by the fishing vessel and gear, which supports the previously untested hypothesis that Pacific cod dive in response to approaching fishing vessels and gear, similar to closely related gadids. Additionally, one 88 cm fish swam ahead of a trawl towed at 1.25 m·s−1 (i.e., 1.42 body lengths per second) for 55.6 minutes, covering a distance of 4.17 km before capture, which challenges previous assertions that Pacific cod are unlikely to outswim bottom trawl gear towed at typical towing speeds. This study demonstrates that opportunistically collected archival tag data can be used to improve knowledge of behavioral interactions between fish and fishing gear.

Sensor Technologies for Safety Monitoring in Mine Tailings Storage Facilities: Solutions in the Industry 4.0 Era

The recent tailings storage facility (TSF) dam failures recorded around the world have concerned society in general, forcing the mining industry to improve its operating standards, invest greater economic resources, and implement the best available technologies (BATs) to control TSFs for safety purposes and avoid spills, accidents, and collapses. In this context, and as the era of digitalization and Industry 4.0 continues, monitoring technologies based on sensors have become increasingly common in the mining industry. This article studies the state of the art of implementing sensor technologies to monitor structural health and safety management issues in TSFs, highlighting advances and experiences through a review of the scientific literature on the topic. The methodology applied in this article adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and utilizes scientific maps for data visualization. To do so, three steps were implemented: (i) a quantitative bibliometric analysis, (ii) a qualitative systematic review of the literature, and (iii) a mixed review to integrate the findings from (i) and (ii). As a result, this article presents the main advances, gaps, and future trends regarding the main characteristics of the sensor technologies applied to monitor TSF structural health and safety management in the era of digitalization. According to the results, the existing research predominantly investigates certain TSF sensor technologies, such as wireless real-time monitoring, remote sensors (RS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned survey vessels (USVs), artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing (CC), and Internet of Things (IoT) approaches, among others. These technologies stand out for their potential to improve the safety management monitoring of mine tailings, which is particularly significant in the context of climate change-related hazards, and to reduce the risk of TSF failures. They are recognized as emerging smart mining solutions with reliable, simple, scalable, secure, and competitive characteristics.

Use Of The Yamaha F100B Outboard Engine As a Populsion On The Rinca and Bawean Survey Boats

The aim of this research is to determine the use of the Yamaha F100B outboard engine as a propulsion for the Rinca and Bawean survey boats. The research was carried out within one month, namely August to September 2023. This research was carried out using practical field work methods. The variables in this research were the specification,work process, fuel efficiency system, superiority, and environmental impact. The method in this research uses the observation method, namely the method of collecting data by recording directly while in the field. The research results show that the use of a Yamaha F100B outboard motor as a propulsion is able to provide adequate thrust for the survey vessel, with efficient fuel consumption. In the context of survey vessels, the reliability and speed of these motors are important factors in supporting successful marine survey operations.

Average Displacement of Multi-Beam Measurement Vessel based on 2D Particle Swarm Algorithm

To address the optimization of a survey vessel's navigation route, this study uses historical sea depth data from a maritime area several years ago as an example. The research employs the two-dimensional Particle Swarm Optimization (2DPSO) algorithm to calculate the direction and distance for vessel navigation while adhering to constraints, aiming to obtain the optimal route for the survey vessel. Traditional Particle Swarm Optimization exhibits rapid early-stage convergence, but slows in the later stages and is susceptible to local optima. Hence, we opt for the 2DPSO algorithm, known for its simpler structure and incorporation of penalty functions to constrain particle values. This enhances algorithm performance and minimizes the risk of falling into local optima, offering a better solution to optimal route planning.

Lyzenga Algorithm for Shallow Water Mapping Using Multispectral Sentinel-2 Imageries in Gili Noko Waters

Bathymetric survey is an essential approach for gathering marine geospatial information. The use of an echosounder can provide highly accurate bathymetric data, yet it is expensive and time-consuming. To achieve an accurate chart of shallow water areas is challenging as they are difficult to access by large survey vessels due to their draft limitation. Bathymetric survey can also be carried out by using an Unmanned Surface Vehicles; however, it is restricted to small and calm areas. Thus, a Satellite Derived Bathymetry (SDB) come as a solution to take the place of bathymetric survey using an echosounder, especially in a shallow water with many natural or man-made obstacles. This study utilises Sentinel-2 image data, an optical satellite imagery to determine depth values of shallow water area using SDB approach. Several algorithms have been developed to collect depth values using the SDB. One of the algorithms is Lyzenga algorithm which aims to simplify the process of extracting water depths by comparing water reflectance factors using three bands of panchromatic sensor imagery. This study applied the Lyzenga algorithm to determine water depths using multiple linear regression and it is validated using an in-situ data. The RMSE and MAE values is 1.711m and 1.254m, respectively whilst the correlation coefficient is 0.946.

Research on multi-beam survey line based on multi-dimensional structure analysis

In this paper, study the optimization problem of multibeam sounding, firstly, simplify the working principle of multibeam sounding, establish the coordinate system with the horizontal plane and the center point of the sea area, and use trigonometry and triangle similarity to establish a model of the coverage width and overlap rate of multibeam sounding. The coverage width, seawater depth and overlap rate are obtained at different line spacing, and the seawater depth is about 64.763m and the coverage width is about 224.345m with an overlap rate of about 10.85% at a line spacing of 200m. Secondly, a coverage width model is established to solve the coverage width at different distances from the center of the survey vessel and at different line direction angles. The mathematical model of coverage width and overlap rate was upgraded from two-dimensional to three-dimensional to establish a coverage width model. The results of the coverage width in each case were obtained, and finally it was found that excluding 0° and 180°, there was a positive correlation between the angle of the survey line direction and the coverage width. Finally, choose 12% coverage as the target value to solve the problem, and establish a model of the shortest survey line, and then according to the data of coverage width, survey spacing and seabed slope, finally solve the problem to get 23 survey lines that meet the conditions, and find the coverage width of 381.05 m, and the spacing of 353.33 m.

Addressing the hazards of remote inspection techniques: a safety-net for vessel surveys

ABSTRACT Emerging technologies and technologies with emerging applications are stark catalysts of transformation in the maritime industry. As the industry progressively shifts to remote inspection techniques (RIT), there is a growing need to identify and assess the potential hazards that exist within the breadth and scope of vessel surveys and inspections. Such an assessment is essential bearing in mind the limitations, drawbacks and negative externalities pertaining to robotic platforms that are being integrated into the traditional manual-driven system. Moving the RIT-agenda forward entails optimisation of the human-robotic interface (free from seen and unforeseen impacts) that remains a prerequisite to the conduct of classification and statutory surveys. Drawing on findings from in-depth interviews with subject matter experts, this article makes recommendations for an RIT survey ‘safety net’ covering pre, ongoing and post operational aspects, and addressing data governance and psychosocial hazards as well as the hazards arising from the absence of a common legal liability framework.

Influence Vessel Survey of Shipworthiness (Case Study of PT Makara Jaya Marine Client)

In the offshore oil and gas industry in Indonesia is experiencing development , see the potential for very high demand for offshore installations, such as oil platforms, drilling rigs, etc. As a result, many shipping companies operate offshore vessels, in the activities of mining companies, and operating offshore oil drilling installations, a safety and security system is needed because this is an important factor that must be considered and becomes the basis for decision making in making decisions. determine seaworthiness in shipping, both in terms of facilities in the form of ships and infrastructure such as navigation systems and human resources involved in it, to reduce and minimize an accident on a ship. The purpose of this study is to find out how much influence the ship survey has on the ship's feasibility in the case of a client at PT Makara Jaya Marine. The approach method used is quantitative data , while data collection uses observation techniques, literature studies and questionnaires (questionnaires) so that the causes of problems can be found using quantitative data analysis techniques . The results showed that the effect of the ship survey on shipworthiness in the client case study at PT Makara Jaya Marine based on hypothesis testing with the t test, it was found that t count = 11.169 and after consulting with t table at a significant level of 5% and n = 28 shows t table = 2,048. Because t count is in the rejection area of Ho (11,169 > 2,048) then Ho is rejected and Ha is accepted. The results show that there is a low loading factor weight on the ship survey variable and the shipworthiness variable to overcome it by trying to improve the implementation of the shipworthiness survey in client company periodically to ensure the condition of the ship for safety.

Fish avoidance of ships during acoustic surveys tested with quiet uncrewed surface vessels

Acoustic surveys to estimate fish biomass and abundance are a major component of many fisheries monitoring programs. An important bias in acoustic surveys is that fish may avoid the survey vessel. Here, we utilized quiet uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) equipped with 120 kHz split beam echosounders to evaluate fish responses to motorized survey vessels. Two of these USVs were deployed in Lakes Michigan and Huron in summer 2021 and compared against three motorized vessels used in conventional fisheries acoustic surveys. Paired comparisons employed vessel-drone passes that provided the opportunity to observe fish response as vessels approached and then overtook their quiet USV counterparts. Sound originating from the vessels was primarily in the 10–1000 Hz range. Overall received sound pressure levels for ships at the closest pass were 100 dB (re 1 µPa @ 1 m) for one and 133–134 dB for the other two vessels. In contrast, sound originating from the USV was not detectable over ambient noise. We examined acoustic data from the USVs for potential changes in total acoustic backscatter, average target depth, and average in situ target strength as vessels approached. We observed weak evidence of an avoidance response by fish to the vessel with the loudest noise profile and highest survey speed but not for the other two vessels. We also compared acoustic data from 33 2-km transects surveyed by both vessels and the USVs, finding few differences between vessel and USV data for water depths between 5 and 80 m. Results from this work suggest that acoustics estimates of fishes in Lakes Michigan and Huron (primarily alewife, rainbow smelt, and bloater) are largely consistent among the vessels used in these two lakes for standard acoustic surveys and that fish avoidance is minimal in water depths > 5 meters.

Acoustic density estimates of beaked whales off the mid-Atlantic coast of the USA in winter and spring

Increasing amounts of noise have been introduced into the marine environment by commercial, military and recreational activities over recent decades. Ziphiids (beaked whales in the Family Ziphiidae) are particularly sensitive to anthropogenic noise, which can lead to behavioural and physiological changes that may cause death in extreme cases. Despite these concerns, there are significant gaps in our knowledge of ziphiid distribution and density in areas exposed to noise. This study presents data from acoustic and visual vessel surveys conducted across the Outer Continental Shelf of North and South Carolina and southern Virginia in the USA (NOAA permits 14,809-03 and 16,473) with the aim of addressing data gaps for this region in spring and winter. Echolocation click trains were attributed to either Cuvier's (Ziphius cavirostris) or Gervais' (Mesoplodon europaeus) beaked whales based on peak frequency, 3 dB and 10 dB bandwidths, and inter-click interval. Estimates of click depth were used to correct estimates of perpendicular distance and improve detection functions used in Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling. Availability bias was quantified using tag data from other regions modified with local dive data. Swell height and sea surface temperature were found to affect the detection function and were therefore included in the final model. Incorporating cruise identity (winter vs. spring), candidate species (Cuvier's vs. Gervais' beaked whale) and/or cluster size did not improve model fit, suggesting there was no discernible seasonal effect, variation in detectability by species or increased probability of detection for larger groups. Design-based estimates of global beaked whale density (1.64 individuals per 100 km2: CI 0.88–3.03) and abundance (2963: CI 1597-5497) were then made incorporating a g(0) estimate of 0.43. These represent the first abundance estimates made for ziphiids using a towed hydrophone array off the USA's eastern seaboard. A Density Surface Model suggested slope and Sea Surface Temperature may influence ziphiid density in the region. This study provides seasonal data on deep diving beaked whales that can be used to inform management decisions regarding anthropogenic activities in this region.

Design and redesign of a bottom trawl survey in Chesapeake Bay, USA

Fisheries-independent surveys that reliably sample a broad size range of exploited and ecologically important species provide valuable data in support of fisheries management and ecosystem science. The operational consistency of surveys over time and space is fundamental to the interpretation of data in the contexts of population dynamics processes, community interactions, policy impacts, and environmental forcing. However, the need to maintain historic sampling protocols over extended time periods limits the utilization of new technologies that could lead to improved data collection. Survey vessel replacements also become inevitable as the maturity of sampling programs becomes multidecadal. This case study describes the motivational origin, initial design, and redesign of a bottom trawl survey operating in Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. Regional aspirations to consider ecosystem principles in fisheries management aided initial development of the survey, and the need to collect specific data types to support that endeavor impacted several early design elements. Following the beginning years of full-scale survey operations, a consistently evolving awareness of potential areas of improvement for the survey grew from formal efforts to engage with scientific and industry partners on trawl gear design, leverage the program for additional survey opportunities, utilize gear testing technology, and analyze extant data. When the delivery of a new, state-of-the-art research vessel forced the transfer of survey operations to a new platform, all potential changes were incorporated simultaneously. A subsequent paired-tow experiment was conducted to build a calibration database that successfully provided estimates of relative selectivity for routinely sampled taxa. This experience yielded several lessons learned that are intended to aid investigators faced with adopting structural changes to fisheries-independent surveys in the future.

Testing the Effect of Bathymetric Data Reduction on the Shape of the Digital Bottom Model

Depth data and the digital bottom model created from it are very important in the inland and coastal water zones studies and research. The paper undertakes the subject of bathymetric data processing using reduction methods and examines the impact of data reduction according to the resulting representations of the bottom surface in the form of numerical bottom models. Data reduction is an approach that is meant to reduce the size of the input dataset to make it easier and more efficient for analysis, transmission, storage and similar. For the purposes of this article, test datasets were created by discretizing a selected polynomial function. The real dataset, which was used to verify the analyzes, was acquired using an interferometric echosounder mounted on a HydroDron-1 autonomous survey vessel. The data were collected in the ribbon of Lake Klodno, Zawory. Data reduction was conducted in two commercial programs. Three equal reduction parameters were adopted for each algorithm. The research part of the paper presents the results of the conducted analyzes of the reduced bathymetric datasets based on the visual comparison of numerical bottom models, isobaths, and statistical parameters. The article contains tabular results with statistics, as well as the spatial visualization of the studied fragments of numerical bottom models and isobaths. This research is being used in the course of work on an innovative project that aims to develop a prototype of a multi-dimensional and multi-temporal coastal zone monitoring system using autonomous, unmanned floating platforms at a single survey pass.