Male, Maldives (CU)_ A researcher from Loughborough University will lead a new cooperation that will make use of drone technology to better comprehend the levels and rates of plastic pollution in the Maldives. Melissa Schiele is collaborating with Oceans Unmanned, the Marine Research and High Education Center, and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, to create a systematic approach for detecting plastic trash in the Indian Ocean using drones.
During the course of her research in the region, the School of Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering PhD researcher worked closely with the team. Presently, there is no standard method for collecting data on plastic aggregations and repositioning rates in the Maldives. Melissa’s research aims at creating drone technology for the protection and monitoring of marine species. The initiative will also provide training to the local teams on how to operate the novel long-endurance, water-landing fixed-wing drones sponsored by the non-profit group Oceans Unmanned.
This information will be examined and utilized to establish a picture of plastic pollution in the Maldives, which has the seventh biggest coral reef system in the world as well as over 1,100 species of fish and 180 types of coral. It is essential to understand the rates of marine plastic pollution as big pieces can entangle animals and small ones can be more dangerous as they enter the natural food chain and cause harm.
Melissa expressed delight over the partnership. She said, “This collaboration has been a great experience so far. There aren’t many people doing what I do, and to have such successful organizations reach out to us, donating kit and their time and expertise, is humbling and exciting”. She added, “I hope this is the start of something which will grow in the Maldives, and potentially beyond.”
Matt Pickett, founder of Oceans Unmanned, expressed excitement over the partnership. He said, “We’re very excited about this partnership. We’ve been collaborating with Ms. Schiele over the past year on our marine debris initiatives and look forward to expanding the collaboration”. He added, “In addition, we’re big believers in the power of technology to address environmental challenges and marine conservation is an area where we believe our experience can really support local efforts in the Maldives.”
