Different tools for different tasks: RPAs and seal surveys. Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews

Transcription

1 Different tools for different tasks: RPAs and seal surveys Patrick Pomeroy Luke O Connor Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews

2 UK Seal popula;ons (i) greys UK has 40% of world s grey seals 80% of these around Scotland NERC (SMRU) has statutory duty to provide advice on populations Population dynamics How many? What determines breeding success? Longevity?

3 Grey seal pup production: aerial survey route Survey 60 colonies annually and check 30 others regularly. Colonies are grouped in five main areas (red circles). Each colony surveyed 4-6 times through the breeding season. Outer Hebrides Inner Hebrides North Rona Orkney Isle of May, Fast Castle Farne Islands

4 Piloted fixed wing and helicopter surveys : Are BEST for jobs they do But expensive infrequent risky large scale rather than local

5 Initial aims of RPA for seals: Counts - by age/sex class Images good enough for photo id Photogrammetry

6 Abertay Sands, grey seal haulout Viewed from shore, range c.300m, using telescope. how many seals? species? sex / relative sizes?

7 Now use photo-id to estimate apparent: - survival rates - exchange within and between colonies (i) Local movements on breeding colony by recording locations of photographed seals - recruitment (ii) Detect interannual movements using >20,000 images, UK east coast Breeding colony Isle of May: Limited access for survey - topography & animal density

8 Identifying individuals - methods brands tags photo-id

9 Method - North Rona study site photo surveys every 3-4 days

10 Multiple extracts from same seal (a) Abdomen (b) Flank (c) Chest (d) Neck

11 Specialised role for UAV Different function from large scale aerial survey: give access - to aerial view of local areas of interest (haulouts or hidden parts of breeding colonies) crucially, multicopters offer hover and fine scale adjustment of position - great for photo capture

12 Requirements: 1. Training, licencing, equipment, permissions 2. Performance/technical spec: Ability to operate in challenging conditions Stabilised, controllable cameras FPV 3. Research concerns: Animal reaction to RPA Ethical approval

13 First tests with seals: Isle of May Nov 2012, Seal Sky Spy Mk I DJI Canon Ixus

14 Seal SKY SPY system Mk IV 1. Go-Pro camera (pilot s view) 6 rotors, Radio-controlled GPS stabilisation, RTH Payload: 1.2 kg Wind < 20 mph Duration: min, (lipo batteries) Compliance with Legislation

15 Seal SKY SPY system Mk IV 6 rotors, Radio-controlled GPS stabilisation, RTH Payload: 1.2 kg Wind < 20 mph Duration: min, (lipo batteries) Compliance with Legislation 2. Hi-res Video on 2-axis gimbal

16 Later survey at Abertay (non- breeding seals) : With the addi;on of: FPV on hi- res video camera for cameraman Using remote zoom controls on video

17 Video

18 One young female among the males. Flank pattern extract. comparison with existing images - match?

19 Breeding season North Rona 2013

20 RPA CONCLUSIONS from 2013 trials gives undisturbed access to small areas Can be used for counts, and age/sex classes Can be used for photo-id Other uses

21 Photogrammetry Decent images provide a lot of informaeon RelaEve and Absolute size, condieon 3- d modelling of animals in images 3d hi res model of adult female grey seal (C McKnight, SMRU unpubl)

22 UK Seal popula;ons (ii) harbour seals: the challenge Popula;ons under threat locally, (Orkney, Tay) (natural and anthropogenic factors) smaller than greys (1.5m adult body length) more subtle pelage markings

23 NE Scotland Loch Fleet: July 2014 SMRU St Andrews, Univ of Aberdeen, Horizon AP

24 Med manoeuvres.. Current mission: collect sperm whale exhalation for hormone/biomarker analysis

25 Next: Newer motors, props and batteries extend flight times and lift. This makes huge difference to work possibilities. Different sensor types Fixed wing: line transect surveys

26 Acknowledgements MASTS start up grant - simulator Phil Anderson for inspiraeon Paddy Davies and Jack Horizon AP help, advice, support.