Meet Team Veliger, who have been working alongside James Madison University Biology Professor Patrice Ludwig to assist in oyster restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay. To date, there has been a catastrophic 99% decline in global oyster populations. Although restorations on both the national and local levels are working to create new and artificial reefs for oysters to grow on, the role of the physical structure of reefs is mostly unexplored.  Ultimately, this knowledge gap has led to less successful artificial structures. To better understand the environmental and physical structure of this keystone species, visualizing oyster reefs through virtual reality and/or photogrammetry may ultimately allow for the creation of physical prototypes that better reflect natural reefs.

Meet the Team

The Process

Click left or right arrows to view the process the students went through.

The Impact

Team Oyster’s ideal plan is to have a two drone system: an underwater drone (ROV) and an ariel drone (UVA). Both of these drones will be used to assist in the Chesapeake Bay’s oyster restoration efforts, and possibly, even oyster restoration efforts around the country. Although both drones will work with the oysters directly, the purpose of each drone is slightly different.

Build up of sediment on the bottom of the bay has a negative impact on bottom-dwelling species such as oysters. Increased runoff has put a strain on the ability for oysters to outgrow the buildup of sediment. Thus, the team will use a remotely-operated underwater vehicle (ROV) with a front-facing propeller that will act as a blower to aid restoration by providing the option to disturb built-up sediment off of oyster reefs to provide relief for the oysters.

The physical structure of reefs and their role in the health of the overall colony. While water quality prohibits effective underwater data collection. The use of a UAV equipped with a high-quality camera could allow for the generation of detailed 3D models through the use of photogrammetry. These models would then allow for a closer study of overall reef structures and how individual oysters relate to each other.

Learn More