Wave Glider—A platform for persistent monitoring of algal blooms

Wave glider (WG) is a novel autonomous surface vehicle that uses energy from surface waves for propulsion and an array of solar panels to power the sensor and hotel payloads. In this paper, we test the applicability of the WG platform for persistent monitoring of algal biomass distribution in Monterey Bay, CA. In October of 2010, the WG successfully collected 17 days of data, traveling at an average speed of 0.5 m/s for a total of 600 km. The WG operated in variable sea states (significant swell height from 0.8 m to 3.3 m) and ambient current conditions (from 0 to 1 m/s). We operated the WG along three pre-determined synoptic sampling paths in northern and central Monterey Bay. The real-time data collected by the WG were used to target secondary sampling of high-biomass areas with high-value assets, such as ships and autonomous underwater vehicles. The results of our field experiment showed that WG is a capable platform for persistent, low-cost monitoring of algal biomass distribution. The performance of the WG was robust under diverse surface current and wave conditions. After the initial shake-down period, the WG was ready to operate beyond the duration of the BIOSPACE field experiment. The experience with the WG in other applications suggests that the platform can be deployed for the entire duration of the bloom season, with the service periods determined by the bio-fouling of sensors and not by the platform endurance.