Building robots to hunt lionfish
Dr. Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley holds a prototype of what will be the 'zapper' portion of a lionfish-hunting robot in development. Scientists and divers use this prototype to determine how lionfish might react. The design of the robot is unique to hunting lionfish as they are one of the only species that will, in most circumstances, not swim away when near the device.
Photo by BIOS and Ocean Support Foundation
The alternative, sending divers to spearhunt lionfish, is both time consuming and expensive. Plus, average divers are not able to travel in the deep ocean, under 200 feet, where most lionfish live in Bermuda. The more efficient weapon should help drive down the cost of lionfish fillets.
The team behind this robot hope to eventually develop an inexpensive version for enthusiasts. There are even plans to gamify the robots.
Read more about this lionfish zapping robot
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