Standard Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Meeting 2023

Closing the Air Gap – Remotely Piloted Aircraft for the Study of Marine Wildlife Physiology (#295)

Adam Yaney-Keller 1 , Rebecca McIntosh 2 , Rohan Clarke 1 , Richard Reina 1
  1. Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
  2. Phillip Island Nature Parks, Cowes, VIC, Australia

Physiological studies of marine wildlife are critical for research and management aims but are often challenging to accomplish. To this end, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs or drones) have emerged as a tool for remote physiological sampling at relatively low cost. This talk presents an overview of current and emerging research in this field, with aims to (1) identify where efforts have been focused and current best practices; (2) understand trends and highlight knowledge gaps; and (3) review benefits, limitations, and future opportunities. Researchers have used RPAs to study the physiology of cetaceans, pinnipeds, sharks, rays, sirenians, sea turtles, bony fish, and cnidarians in coastal and marine environments globally. The most developed use has been photogrammetry to derive morphometric and body condition measurements. Other topics studied include kinematics/biomechanics, bioenergetics, disease, microbiomes, vital rates, endocrinology, injury, genetics, and thermal physiology. Most studies have used a single, standard camera sensor on an un-modified, small commercial RPA. However, modification or combination of RPAs with other existing technologies, such as sampling plates or biologgers, can provide deeper insights across disciplines. As RPAs become more widespread in marine research, multidisciplinary studies which combine RPAs with other techniques will drive innovative solutions to questions in wildlife physiology.