CORALS - Autonomous Coral Reef Protection System

Anjali Sharma-Tiwari (1), Eashan Mahajan (3), Johann Webber (4), Dhruva Vutukury (5), Jibran Haris (6), Vedant Kathrani (2), Tejas Channaveerappa (7), Joshua Amaladass (8), Alex Colin (8)

(1) Basis Independent Silicon Valley, (2) Dougherty Valley High School, (3) Dublin High School, (4) Stanford Online High school, (5) Foothill High School, (6) Rise Academy, (7) Somerset Middle School, (8) Dublin Robotics

Abstract - Coral reefs are facing unprecedented threats due to rising ocean temperatures, acidification, and pollution, with chemical contaminants like oxybenzone from sunscreens exacerbating coral bleaching and ecosystem decline. The Coral Oceanic Restoration Autonomous Lander Submersible (CORALS) presented in this paper, is an innovative autonomous underwater drone designed to mitigate chemical pollution and promote coral reef restoration. CORALS operates using a dual approach: it deploys biodegradable beads to absorb oxybenzone from surrounding waters while simultaneously utilizing acoustic enrichment technology to simulate the sounds of a healthy reef, encouraging marine biodiversity. The system leverages advanced sensing technologies, including LiDAR, electrochemical sensors, and sonar, to navigate coral environments with precision, autonomously collecting data and optimizing its deployment strategy. Designed for scalability, CORALS functions as a fleet-based system capable of covering extensive reef areas with minimal human intervention. This paper presents the conceptual framework, functionality, and ecological potential of CORALS, detailing its development, operational methodology, and capacity to complement existing conservation strategies in preserving these critical marine ecosystems.

Full Article: Sharma-Tiwari., et al.