Reaching New Depths with Mini-ROVs
The MPA Collaborative Network is launching projects across California using underwater drones. These small, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are being used to explore and study marine protected areas along the California coast. Through a partnership with Sofar Ocean and funding from the S.E.E. Initiative, each of the 14 MPA Collaboratives from Del Norte to San Diego County has received Trident mini-ROVs. With a depth rating of 100 meters and a 3-hour dive time, these ocean exploration tools will help Collaboratives expand outreach projects that have previously been restricted to land or shore and develop opportunities for citizen science, refining research questions and developing needed protocols.
Dive into our program by watching the video below.
Featured Program Highlights
AGU Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX) Project
The AGU Thriving Earth Exchange (TEX) project is nearing it’s official launch of our ground-breaking community science project – the first of it’s kind! We wanted to collect data on underwater videos and imagery to add to our database of knowledge on habitat health (e.g., kelp forests, urchin barrens, sandy-bottom habitats) in the subtidal (underwater/submerged) environment both in and outside of California’s MPAs. Explore Beyond the Shore utilizes computer science, machine learning, and people power to explore the underwater world! One main impetus for this project was to better understand kelp forest ecosystem health in the face of climate change and sea star wasting syndrome.
Learn more about the program by reading our blog post!
Who Can Use the ROVs?
Trident ROVs are shared resources for each MPA Collaborative and are available for member use only. If you are already involved with your local Collaborative, reach out to your Co-Chairs and they’ll help you get started using the ROV. Alternatively, you can fill out the ROV Check-Out Request Form and your request will be forwarded. Please review the full list of procedures and requirements for ROV use below.
Procedures and Requirements for Member Use
- Attend a Collaborative ROV Training. Members who have not yet attended training are asked to work with a member who has. Training videos coming soon.
- Review the available resources at the bottom of this page. Especially, the Best Practices Guide, Trip Planning Checklist, Field Data Sheet and Guide to filling it out, and Trident mini-ROV User Manual.
- Fill out the ROV Check-Out Request Form or contact Collaborative Co-Chairs/ROV hosts to schedule time to use the Trident ROV.
- Ensure Trident and controller are charged and both the software and app are up to date before use. See the manual for details.
- Explore the underwater world with the Trident! Take a video (above and below the water) and pictures of yourself using it.
- Fill out the Field Data Sheet for each expedition (trip). One data-sheet can be used for multiple launches in one day.
- Rinse equipment properly with fresh water and dry thoroughly. See the manual for details.
- SEND COMPLETED FIELD DATA SHEETS to claire@mpacollaborative.org. This is necessary to gather important data and determine best practices for ROV use in MPAs.
- Upload any ROV footage you’d like to share with the Network to the ROV Video Database with credit information. See the manual for details on how to transfer video from Trident.
- Share updates on social media. Tag @mpacollaborativenetwork, @sofarocean, #SEEInitiative, #MPATrident.
- Send pictures, video, and an informational blurb about your trip to mpacollaborativenetwork@gmail.com to be featured on MPA Collaborative Network channels.
- Return equipment to the host at the agreed-upon time.
The Technology
Trident Underwater Drone from Sofar Ocean
Image courtesy of Sofar Ocean
Good to Know:
- Live video is streamed back to the surface via a Kevlar-reinforced tether, then to your device over WIFI
- Open source – attach custom sensors or modules as add-ons to the payload area
- Records 1080p @ 30fps
- Need an android device 5.1 or higher to control the Trident using the OpenROV App
- Customizable – various control set-ups are supported including virtual reality headsets
Network Knowledge
Here we showcase inventions, tips, and tricks for the Trident ROVs developed by collaborative members. This allows collaborative members across the Statewide Network to learn from each other and leverage resources. Have some “Network Knowledge” to share?
This guide will cover the modifications and piloting strategies used to prevent the Trident ROV propellers from jamming with seagrasses. Included are the files used to design and 3D print the modifications, as well as settings used for the print. Creators: Liam Fowler, UCSD Mechanical Engineering B.S. '22, M.S. '23, and Joe Cooper.
This guide will describe the strategies used to clean the Trident ROV motors and prevent these problems (sediment, salt buildup, and corrosion of the motors) from developing in order to extend the lifespan of these motors. Creators: Liam Fowler, UCSD Mechanical Engineering B.S. '22, M.S. '23, and Joe Cooper.
Learn how Mendocino County MPA Collaborative Member, the Noyo Center for Marine Science, pilots their Trident using a virtual reality headset. Creator: Crans Squire, Technology Progam Lead.
Learn how a San Diego County MPA Collaborative Member designed a Trident propeller cover screen to prevent eelgrass entanglement. Creator: Joe Cooper.
Learn how a Santa Cruz County MPA Collaborative Member designed a Trident propeller cover screen using window screen mesh and zip ties to prevent eelgrass entanglement. Creator: Save Our Shores.
ROV Program Resources
To access the resources below, click the arrow icons to expand each box and view the respective description. Then click anywhere in the expanded box to open the resource in a new tab.
MPA CN Developed Resources
All Trident Resources
Access all the available resources in one Google Drive folder.
FIeld Data Sheet
Fill this data sheet out each time the Trident is taken out on an expedition. Send completed data sheets to claire@mpacollaborative.org.
Guide to Filling out the Field Data Sheet
Use this guide to help you fill in the appropriate information on the field data sheet.
Trip Planning Checklist
A checklist with everything you should do before and after a dive with the Trident.
Best Practices Guide
A living document on how to limit risk and environmental impacts while using the Trident inside and outside of marine protected areas.
Mini-ROV Video Database
Upload footage collected with your Trident ROV to this Google Drive. The footage can be seen and utilized by all collaborative members. Be sure to include appropriate credit information (person or organization name, location, title, etc.) and credit appropriately when using footage.
Educator Resources (Coming Soon!)
The MPA CN team is working to develop “quick reference” sheets with information on ROVs, California MPAs, and habitats for educators to use in conjunction with the Trident.
Training Videos (Coming Soon!)
The MPA CN team is working to develop Trident ROV training videos for collaborative members.
Manufacturer Sofar Ocean Resources
Trident ROV User Manual
View the Trident User Manual for everything you need to know about operation and piloting.
Trident Specifications Sheet
Technical information and Trident specifications.
Trident FAQs
Find answers to common questions about the Trident ROV.
Tutorial: Getting Started with 1080p Video
A video tutorial about updating the app, recording 1080p videos, managing video files, and more.
OpenROV Community Forum
A community forum with ROV users around the globe asking and answering questions, proving resources, and more.
How to Stream Your Trident Dive Live
A blog outlining just one way to live-stream your Trident dive with suggested equipment and streaming platforms.
Trident Streaming Set-Up Options
A Google Slides presentation showing various Trident live-streaming set-up options and equipment.
Contact Us!
We love to hear from you! Please reach out if you have questions about the ROV program or using the Trident ROVs, suggestions for this web page, content for the Program Highlights, or Network Knowledge contributions.
MPA Collaborative Network staff will do their best to assist you or connect you with the right resources.
For any technical issues with the Trident you can email support@sofarocean.com and copy MPA CN staff.