July 5, 2016 — A team of researchers are conducting their annual sea turtle survey at the coast this summer. But this year, they have a new tool to give them a bird’s eye view. Drones equipped with cameras fly over the water and capture images of sea turtles from above.
The Federal Aviation Administration recently approved commercial drone flight. Operators must adhere to strict guidelines like flying during daylight hours and keeping the unmanned aerial vehicle under 400 feet. Still, the landmark rules open up a realm of possibilities for real estate, filmmakers, search and rescue and many other applications.
Here at the coast, Assistant professor of the practice of marine conservation and ecology at the Duke Marine Lab Dave Johnston has been exploring the potential for drones to aid in marine research. He’s assisting with a sea turtle survey this summer.