A couple of great articles illustrate the ingenuity and valuable contribution technology cameras and drones are making in monitoring HAB and other activity in the Great Lakes.
The first, an underwater camera that was installed off the shores of Shorewood, WI, by the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences tracks activity beneath the water by providing camera shots every hour, over a period of four months.
The second, drones.
By getting well below cloud level, drones allow scientists to monitor HAB activity with incredible precision and photo clarity.
In the scientific battle to understand and ultimately take control of HABs, such technology-aided information is incredibly valuable. And, according to geology professor Joe Ortiz of Kent State University, the time has come: “I actually think the future is now,” Mr. Ortiz said. “We’re going to be seeing this within the next couple of years. Stay tuned for that.”
Dr. Harvey Bootsma, at UWM, agrees.
“It definitely has a scientific purpose,” said Bootsma, whose camera uncovered surprising insights into the impact of zebra mussels in Lake Michigan.