Development of a curious robot to study coral reef ecosystems awarded $1.5 million by the National Science Foundation
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 10 November 2021
A $1.5M grant will support the development of an autonomous robot to monitor coral reef biodiversity using image and acoustic data, enabling long-term, low-impact reef exploration.
Keywords: coral reefs, robotics, biodiversity, WHOI, NSF, autonomous vehicle, reef monitoring
Tropical fish…up north? How ocean physics play a role in altering water temperature and salinity
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 10 December 2021
WHOI scientists found that eddies and wind drove warm, salty ocean water—and Gulf Stream species—onto the Northeast Shelf in winter 2017, revealing key ocean-coastal interactions.
Keywords: eddies, Gulf Stream, WHOI, ocean warming, shelf intrusion, fish migration
Research suggests giant kelp has different factors that bear on its growth dynamics
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 4 January 2022
WHOI-led research using satellite and airborne hyperspectral data shows that regional kelp growth is driven by nutrients, while local declines link to senescence. Findings inform future ecosystem monitoring.
Keywords: kelp, remote sensing, WHOI, hyperspectral, ecosystem, senescence
