Conservation Drones
Drones for Conservation
With a marine background and a passion for conservation we set out to implement our drone technology in environmental projects.
We have been contracted by the NSW, Department of Primary Industries to trial the effectiveness of drones on shark mitigation which is ongoing. The results have been impressive as the technology proved itself a valuable shark mitigation tool.
This shark mitigation project has placed us as leaders in this space and led to other organisations such as NSW Surf Lifesaving and the World Surf League contracting us for shark surveillance. This is exciting for us as it is keeps the public safe and offers a non lethal shark mitigation tool helping to sustain the ecology of our oceans.
Leading research techniques
Working with Humpbacks and High Rises whale research techniques have also been developed and honed. These include providing aerial videography for behavioural research. And developing techniques for collecting DNA from the whales exhale condensate.
The project was considered a success with a vast amount of data coming from the research efforts. We then became the first drone company in Australia to be given permission to conduct aerial filming of Australian whale species in all Commonwealth waters of Australia. And the first company to be issued NSW state government approval to conduct shark surveillance over marine mammals in state waters.
Ocean plastics
A huge problem globally is ocean plastics.
We wanted to find a solution to this issue so we set about creating an international collaboration. We joined with The Plastic Tide to develop an algorithm that can auto detect plastics on our beaches using drones.
Empowering citizen scientists to log on and help train the software to auto detect plastics from surveys conducted. This helps to bring attention to the issue of ocean plastics and teaching the basics of artificial intelligence.
Ultimately this data will help governments and regulators make informed decisions on how to combat the problem of ocean plastic pollution.
Experienced Team
Hover UAV is in the enviable position of having operators that have over 15 years experience within the global marine industry. Our team has covered the globe many times operating in all oceans. We have been directly involved in operations such as:
- Whale watching cruises
- Research
- Global super yacht industry
- Offshore oil and gas exploration
Oil and Gas Industry
Our role was to utilise a seismic support vessel to advance in front of the seismic ship and ensure there was no presence of marine life particularly marine mammals whilst recording all observations.
Oil and Gas Operations have been conducted in:
- Bass Straight
- Great Australian Bite
- Australia’s north west shelf
- Timor
- Papua New Guinea
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Our team members have also operated vessels extensively inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMPA) adhering to all rules and regulations put forth by the GBRMPA.
We also hold Marine Cetacean permit (Permit number 2016 – 004) that allows us to legally fly directly over marine wildlife.
Marine Environments
As well as being professional UAV operators.
Hover UAV a wealth of experience to call upon when operating UAV in marine environments. We have a strong understanding of the complexities that don’t exist in terrestrial environments.
Our team also holds the following licences
- Instructor level scuba divers (non-teaching status). These divers bring a knowledge of the aquatic environment and animal behaviour that can only be learnt by spending many hours in such an environment.
- Master Class 4 (ships master)
- Global maritime communications certificate
- AMSA safety certifications
- MED 2 (marine engineering)
Leading Marine UAV Conservation
We are the perfect choice for navigating the challenges of mixing wildlife conservation and UAV’s.
We have a passion for conservation.
We have working knowledge of the marine environment. Our strength is working to overcoming regulatory hurdles.
Remotely piloted aircraft technology holds incredible potential and is going to change the way conservation is conducted now and into the future.
Elevation is no limitation to your imagination
Compliance and Insurance
Hover UAV holds a current C.A.S.A Approved UAV Operators Certificate Cert no/. CASA.UOC.286.
Hover UAV has current insurance in place to operate Australia wide. This includes public liability insurance of $20,000,000. If required amendments to insurance arrangements can be altered depending on your project.
Tailored for you
Hover UAV works with you to ensure your desired video, photography or data outcomes are met. We take a detailed brief of your desired outcomes and meet them by developing methods utilising our UAV systems to achieve specified results.