Clockwise from top: LTJG Robert Logan and Jiaxu Zhang at NOAA Western Regional Center in Seattle; drone pilot Robert Logan at San Juan, WA location; Jiaxu Zhang at San Juan command location; Caitlyn McFarland deploying hyperspectral radiometer off San Juan Island. (Click for full image)
The images above identify preliminary hyperspectral images from the drone flight at San Juan County Park, WA. (Click for full image)
Research challenges
Increased monitoring efficiency is required to address the growing risk of harmful algal blooms and rapid shifts in coastal ecosystems across the Pacific Arctic and Pacific Northwest. Traditional research approaches, such as ship-based surveys and satellite imagery, frequently struggle with high operational costs, fixed scheduling, and persistent cloud interference, often failing to capture data during essential peak observation periods.
Campaign details
The Airborne Investigations and Research (Arctic AIR) team adapted a UAV platform with specialized brackets to carry a hyperspectral water-color camera, providing a versatile tool for rapid-deployment observations. This modification process included obtaining necessary pilot certifications and ensuring the platform's airworthiness to effectively manage emerging environmental hazards.
First flight tests and missions
The initial flight-tests included launch, recovery, safety, dock tests and over-water sample image collection. These were successfully completed in late May 2026, at NOAA Western Regional Center in Seattle.
In early June, field trials began to test the hyperspectral-camera equipped drone in Puget Sound and at San Juan Island, Washington, as part of a coordinated flight operations, paired with motorboat-based water sampling.
The San Juan Island missions evaluated drone performance at three locations (Reuben Tarte, San Juan, and Eagle Cove County Parks). Researchers collected hyperspectral images, physical data, and phytoplankton samples to analyze local distributions and validate drone-captured images. The mission successfully validated the drone-mounted system and established comprehensive field protocols.
Outcome and benefits
The testing of the hyperspectral drone platform offers a high-return, low-risk, and collaborative and flexible solution for coastal monitoring. This project’s modest investment provides a reusable platform that scales across PMEL priorities, including harmful algal blooms and ecosystems, coastal biogeochemistry, and addressing Arctic observing gaps.
Background
This Arctic AIR project was funded by the University of Washington (UW) Collaborative Research in Earth System Science and Technology (CRESST) program and NOAA PMEL Innovation Grants. The PMEL Innovation Grant opportunity provides small grants to support exploration of novel methods, technologies, or processes within a low-risk environment.
For more information:
Media contact
Norm Mah, NOAA PMEL Communications, at norm.mah@noaa.gov
