Unmanned aircraft as mobile components of Ocean Observing Systems for management of marine resources

Recent technological developments in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have allowed the integration of UAS into the field of marine science. UAS provide a low risk, low cost platform to collect and relay data at various spatial and temporal scales. As an integral part of Ocean Observation Systems (OOS), UAS can provide an agile platform for delivering high-bandwidth, high-frequency data between surface sensors, roving sensors (AUVs and other UAS's), OOS hubs, and surface stations. Harnessing this new capability can improve the quality and efficiency of data collection and distribution by OOS, which yields improved data for the adaptive management of marine resources.