ReefGen, a company dedicated to restoring seagrass habitats worldwide, is employing advanced robotics to address the alarming decline of these vital underwater ecosystems. Seagrass meadows, covering only 0.1% of the ocean floor, play a crucial role in marine environments by serving as nurseries for aquatic species and storing significant amounts of carbon. However, these habitats are disappearing at a rate of 7% per year due to coastal development, pollution, and climate change.
The company’s latest innovation, Grasshopper, a seagrass-planting robot, represents a groundbreaking step in restoration efforts. Weighing 23 kilograms and capable of planting up to 60 seeds per minute, Grasshopper injects a seed-mud mixture into the seabed with precision. While still piloted manually, future iterations aim for full autonomy, enhancing efficiency. This robot has already demonstrated its potential, successfully planting 25,000 seeds in Wales and matching the results of manual planting during initial trials.
An aerial view off the coast of Morehead City, North Carolina, where Professor Joel Fodrie of the UNC's Institute of Marine Sciences says they have seen a slow annual decline in seagrass meadows. CNN
Collaborating with the University of North Carolina’s Institute of Marine Sciences, ReefGen is conducting comparative studies to refine seed-based restoration methods. Grasshopper recently planted 1,000 seeds in North Carolina, contributing to efforts to reverse the slow decline of seagrass meadows in the region.
ReefGen emphasizes that restoration is an ongoing process requiring consistent monitoring and community involvement. By integrating affordable technology with local stewardship, the initiative seeks to create sustainable habitats, improve water quality, and foster economic benefits for coastal communities. This innovative approach highlights the potential of robotics in scaling environmental restoration while ensuring long-term success.
