BROOKINGS, S.D. - Seven Grant County 4-H members designed a robot and deployed it in Big Stone Lake to help monitor for aquatic invasive species.
"Invasive aquatic species (AIS) are spreading at an alarming rate by both intentional and unintentional means," explained Sara Koepke, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor - Grant County. "These 4-H members took what they learned during a 4-H robotics training and constructed a SeaPerch remotely operated vehicle to help."
First detected in South Dakota in 2014, AIS includes both aquatic plant and animal species, explains Koepke. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website, AIS are exotic species, which are capable of propagating beyond their natural habitat. Examples of aquatic plants would be curlyleaf pondweed and didymo and aquatic animals are zebra mussels and silver carp. "These species can be harmful to native ecosystems, commercial, agriculture and recreational activities," she said.
ADVERTISEMENT
AIS are often transferred from one body of water to another when boats and other aquatic equipment is not properly cleaned.
The remotely operated vehicle designed by the Grant County 4-H Aquatic Robotics team is battery operated and monitors AIS with an underwater camera. The underwater camera allows team members to see real-time footage for ease of detection. The ROV can travel up to 30 feet.
The team constructed the remotely operated vehicle which is outfitted with a camera, utilizing a PVC frame to hold motors, a float and netting. The team plans to make future upgrades to the current robot which include: adding mechanical features to increase detection efforts, modifying it to test water pH levels to learn if water quality assists with AIS survival and adding GPS (Global Positioning System).
Working with Jamie Pekelder, Grant County Game, Fish & Parks Conversation officer and the East River Water Conservation District, the youth are also engaged in educating their community on ways to prevent AIS introduction following these steps:
ADVERTISEMENT
1. Clean the boat of all visible aquatic plants and animal species, and dispose of unwanted bait.
2. Drain water-related equipment after removing the boat from the water.
3. Dry the boat.
For more information on SDSU Extension 4-H Robotics or STEM activities, contact Christine Wood, SDSU Extension 4-H STEM Field Specialist at christine.wood@sdstate.edu .
