Operational Protocols for the Use of Drones in Marine Animal Research
Vincent Raoult,
Andrew P Colefax,
Blake M. Allan,
Daniele Cagnazzi,
Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez,
Daniel Ierodiaconou,
David W. Johnston,
Sarah Landeo-Yauri,
Mitchell Lyons,
Vanessa Pirotta,
Gail Schofield,
Paul A Butcher
Affiliations
Vincent Raoult
School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia
Andrew P Colefax
Sci-eye, P.O. Box 4202, Goonellabah, NSW 2480, Australia
Blake M. Allan
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia
Daniele Cagnazzi
Marine Ecology Research Centre, School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, P.O. Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
Nataly Castelblanco-Martínez
Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología/Universidad de Quintana Roo, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77019, Mexico
Daniel Ierodiaconou
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Warrnambool, VIC 3280, Australia
David W. Johnston
Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School of the Environment Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
Sarah Landeo-Yauri
Fundación Internacional para la Naturaleza y la Sustentabilidad, Chetumal, Quintana Roo 77019, Mexico
Mitchell Lyons
Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Vanessa Pirotta
Marine Predator Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
Gail Schofield
School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E14NS, UK
Paul A Butcher
New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, National Marine Science Centre, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia
The use of drones to study marine animals shows promise for the examination of numerous aspects of their ecology, behaviour, health and movement patterns. However, the responses of some marine phyla to the presence of drones varies broadly, as do the general operational protocols used to study them. Inconsistent methodological approaches could lead to difficulties comparing studies and can call into question the repeatability of research. This review draws on current literature and researchers with a wealth of practical experience to outline the idiosyncrasies of studying various marine taxa with drones. We also outline current best practice for drone operation in marine environments based on the literature and our practical experience in the field. The protocols outlined herein will be of use to researchers interested in incorporating drones as a tool into their research on marine animals and will help form consistent approaches for drone-based studies in the future.
