Monitoring Quagga Mussel Growth using Remotely Operated Vehicles

Presentation Type

Poster/Portfolio

Presenter Major(s)

Biology, Anthropology

Mentor Information

Mark Gleason, PhD, Mark Schwartz

Department

Hospitality and Tourism Management, Anthropology

Location

Henry Hall Atrium 71

Start Date

12-4-2012 9:00 AM

Keywords

Information, Innovation, and Technology, Environment, Historical Perspectives

Abstract

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) can be used to monitor quagga mussel growth and to map threatened archaeological sites. Inexpensive ROVs made of PVC pipes are another option for researchers studying our underwater heritage. With the support of the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, video observation of mussel colonization was made on artificial substrate over 2 months. Inspection of the substrate was conducted every 2 weeks by video observation and visual inspection. Video from a professional ROV and a PVC pipe ROV were compared. Adult mussels migrated to the box. ROV footage showed algae discoloration, but the grid system restricted ability to count mussels. The inexpensive PVC pipe ROV worked as well as the professional-grade ROV for the purposes of monitoring mussel growth. Use of inexpensive ROV technology is a viable option for mapping the effects of mussel growth on underwater archaeological sites.

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Apr 12th, 9:00 AM

Monitoring Quagga Mussel Growth using Remotely Operated Vehicles

Henry Hall Atrium 71

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) can be used to monitor quagga mussel growth and to map threatened archaeological sites. Inexpensive ROVs made of PVC pipes are another option for researchers studying our underwater heritage. With the support of the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, video observation of mussel colonization was made on artificial substrate over 2 months. Inspection of the substrate was conducted every 2 weeks by video observation and visual inspection. Video from a professional ROV and a PVC pipe ROV were compared. Adult mussels migrated to the box. ROV footage showed algae discoloration, but the grid system restricted ability to count mussels. The inexpensive PVC pipe ROV worked as well as the professional-grade ROV for the purposes of monitoring mussel growth. Use of inexpensive ROV technology is a viable option for mapping the effects of mussel growth on underwater archaeological sites.