May 14, 2014 — NOAA will conduct a test project May 20, 2014 of the PUMA Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for use in ocean monitoring and environmental research. The test in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS) will allow NOAA researchers, managers and partners to observe the UAS in operation so they can better understand its capabilities and explore its potential to enhance management of the sanctuary.
The primary objective of the test is to compare observations of fixed fishing gear (buoys) in SBNMS by PUMA and from the sanctuary research vessel. If successful, this type of technology could be used for marine wildlife surveys, visitor and vessel use operations.
On Tuesday, May 20, members of the media are invited dockside to observe equipment being prepared and loaded for the demonstration. NOAA representatives will describe how the UAS operates, outline the demonstration project and be available for interviews.
What: Dockside preparation for the NOAA test of a PUMA Unmanned Aircraft System
When: Tuesday, May 20, 10:00 a.m.
Where: NOAA Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary 175 Edward Foster Rd., Scituate, MA 02066
Who: Craig MacDonald, superintendent, SBNMS
Ben Cowie-Haskell, deputy superintendent, SBNMS
Matt Pickett, NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries LTJG Kevin G. Doremus, NOAA Aircraft Operations Center
Visuals: PUMA Unmanned Aircraft System, to be deployed at sea in a NOAA test, NOAA R/V Auk, researchers, operators
IMAGES: Digital video/photos of UAS in flight, being launched, video from UAS.