Density Estimation of Nemopilema nomurai (Scyphozoa, Rhizostomeae) Using a Drone

• DOI: 10.1007/s12524-021-01347-0
• Publication Date: 2021-03-22T08:03:26Z
• Authors: Seo Yeol Choi; Hyeon Jung Kim; Min Ho Seo; Ho Young Soh
• Keywords: Drone; On board; Scyphozoa

Abstract Research to understand the distribution and density of jellyfish is actively being conducted using training ships, but this hindered by high cost manpower limitations irradiation area. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones), however, provide cost-effective means for assessing marine animal populations. Therefore, we tested application UAVs in estimating probed altitude-dependent suitability these devices. We analyzed images obtained a drone as well manual counting used ImageJ measure Nemopilema nomurai off Sang-Chuja Island, Jeju, South Korea. Analysis image at altitudes 5–120 m allowed identification 2–173 individuals, while 1.49–9.09 individuals were identified per 100 2 . Jellyfish data measured count did not show any difference below 90 m; was presented (98%) 120 (95%). These results demonstrate potential drones monitoring recommend an optimal altitude observation.