The Around the Americas expedition is conducting a pole-to-pole kelp study focused on g…
The Around the Americas expedition is conducting a pole-to-pole kelp study focused on giant kelp and bull kelp forests along the Pacific coast. One of the key ways we collect data is through aerial imagery captured using drones. We use the DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral, an advanced drone system equipped with infrared and multispectral sensors that allow us to study kelp ecosystems from above with incredible precision.
Unlike traditional survey methods using boats or divers, drones allow researchers to efficiently monitor large and difficult-to-access coastal environments safely, consistently, and in far less time. Most importantly, aerial imagery allows us to see the bigger picture of entire kelp forests at once, something that is difficult to achieve from the water. Instead of observing only small sections of kelp beds, drone surveys help researchers understand the overall structure, density, distribution, and health of entire ecosystems across large coastal areas. This broader aerial perspective is incredibly valuable for tracking how kelp forests change over time, identifying areas of decline or recovery, and monitoring how environmental conditions impact these habitats on both local and regional scales. The drone captures both standard RGB imagery (true color), as seen in the top image, as well as multispectral imagery including near-infrared, red edge, red, and green wavelengths. An example of near-infrared imagery can be seen in the bottom image. While RGB imagery shows what we can see with our eyes, infrared and multispectral imagery reveal information invisible to us, especially when it comes to kelp health.
Healthy kelp reflects light differently than stressed or dying kelp, allowing researchers to detect early signs of decline before they become visible in regular imagery. This technology improves the accuracy of kelp mapping, supports long-term ecosystem monitoring, and helps scientists better understand the impacts of ocean warming, marine heatwaves, storms, pollution, and other environmental stressors. 🌎🌊🌿
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