Demonstrating Unmanned Aerial System multispectral analysis of Eurasian watermilfoil treatments

Session: 60. - Seeing Below the Surface: Quantifying the Underwater Environment with Image Analysis

Colin Brooks, Michigan Tech Research Institute, cnbrooks@mtu.edu
Amy Marcarelli, Michigan Tech. University, ammarcar@mtu.edu
Amanda Grimm, Michigan Tech Research Inst., aggrimm@mtu.edu
Richard Dobson, Michigan Technological University - MTRI, rjdobson@mtu.edu
Casey Huckins, Michigan Technological University, cjhuckin@mtu.edu
Ryan Van Goethem, Michigan Technological University, rrvangoe@mtu.edu
Robert Smith, Les Cheneaux Watershed Council, rob1518smith@gmail.com
Mark Clymer, Les Cheneaux Watershed Council, markclymer@cedarville.net

Abstract

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum or “EWM”) is an invasive submerged aquatic plant that can form thick stands and tangled mats of vegetation near the water’s surface, interfering with publication recreation and crowding out native aquatic plants. Environmental and natural resource agencies have been spending millions of dollars to treat EWM, but it has been challenging to document the impacts of treatment methods. Through a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (US EPA GLRI) project, and related Michigan Department of Natural Resource projects, the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS or “drones”) to collect natural color and multispectral images of treatment and control sites has been demonstrated so that the effects of treatment can be documented and EWM extent can be mapped. Treatment methods documented include using a native fungus to reduce EWM growth, mechanical harvesting, and Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH). Results so far show with certain multispectral light bands involving visible and near infrared (NIR) wavelengths along with relatively clear water conditions, UAS-enabled imaging can be used to track where treatment methods have had an impact, helping document their effectiveness. This provides another tool to map and monitor treatment effectiveness of invasive submerged aquatic vegetation in the Great Lakes and beyond.

1. Keyword
invasive species

2. Keyword
submerged plants

3. Keyword
remote sensing

4. Additional Keyword
treatment

5. Additional Keyword
monitoring

6. Additional Keyword
unmanned