AIMS has developed a scalable, and cost‑effective platform vessel for coral reef observations. This work presents AIMS’ developments based on the BlueRobotics BlueBoat platform, a next‑generation uncrewed surface vessel designed to support autonomous coral reef monitoring. BlueBoat integrates robust autonomy, modular payload capacity, and resilient communications to deliver a reliable and easy to use platform.
BlueBoat has been used as part of AIMS’ Pilot Deployment Programme (PDP). This includes, replacing and improving some of the workflows for site selection and deployment selection for coral seeding devices. Using AIMS’ Reefscan and onboard Machine Learning Module, we can get real-time deployment decisions that allow for better site selection and critically, higher yields from seed deployments.
When multiple BlueBoats are deployed they can rapidly survey large spatial areas, and with more accuracy when compared to traditional piloted vessels, while reducing operational cost and risk. With the repeatability of the vessels path, long‑term observing campaigns have a key tool that can improve understanding ecosystem dynamics, climate variability, and human impacts on marine systems.
We present operational use cases demonstrating how BlueBoat enhances marine science through reproducible, reliable, and robust operations. These case studies highlight the role of low-cost surface vessels as force multipliers for coral reef observation and repopulation.