CHARLEVOIX, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – An extensive Great Lakes research project on fish population has wrapped up for the season after using an entirely unmanned vessel.

The Saildrone Explorer, a bright orange 23-foot autonomous watercraft powered entirely by wind and sun, launched from Charlevoix in late July and sailed around parts of Lakes Michigan and Huron before recently being brought back to land.

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A key benefit to using these drones to study fish is that they operate with virtually no noise, allowing them to collect data on fish populations without scaring the fish away.

This study involved collaboration between American and Canadian groups.