Scientists are planning to launch robotic fish off the port of Gijon (North Spain) to detect pollution levels in the sea. The fish are remarkably life-like and can remain underwater for several hours.

Each robotic fish measures about 1.5 m in length and has cost some Rs. 14.9 lakh to make.  These robotic fish will collect data and transmit it using Wi-Fi technology.  They are battery operated and are designed to get back to their charging stations every 8 hours or so to recharge their batteries…sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie!

Tags: environment conservation, Pollution, save nature, science & technology, underwater world, Water Conservation

How beautiful!

Photo credits: diko1967

Sadly, the fragile underwater ecosystems today are threatened by:

• Ocean acidification: which occurs when CO2 released by humans enters sea water. The impact has been studied by scientists studying Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
• Oil spills.
• Pollution – garbage from the cities flowing into the seas, including polythene bags.
• Decreasing levels of O2 in seas, which in turn is causing the formation of  ‘underwater deserts; in tropical oceans. When the oxygen levels are low, nitrogen can-not react with oxygen to form biologically available nitrate – needed by underwater organisms at the base of these fragile ecosystems.
• Reckless fishing.
• Dredging for urban development, fishing.

Tags: environment conservation, Global Warming, Save Earth, Sustainable Living, underwater world