Underwater robots detect more fish than divers in reef study

Remotely operated vehicles with videos recorded greater numbers and diversity of Great Barrier Reef fish

 Marine scientists have tested the use of small remotely operated vehicles, or underwater drones, to monitor fish populations in shallow waters close to Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.

Researchers from the University of Newcastle in regional New South Wales and Macquarie University in Sydney compared the performance of an ROV to divers and snorkellers in conducting video research.