ity to control the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water bodies. Future developments may include improved or automated data acquisition and control applications and measurement of other relevant parameters. 1ft 2ft 3ft This concept has been developed and initial testing has proven the device to be highly effective at reducing bird predation on selected aquaculture ponds. It is effective, safe and environmen tally friendly. Besides the possibility of helping other aquaculture industries in the U. S. and other countries, autonomous vehicles have the potential for many other environmental management applications. Possible future uses include remote measurement of water quality parameters, crop scouting or site specific environmental monitoring for various crops, applications to reducing pest predation and, possibly, even crop harvest, where warranted. Similar systems might be used in natural ecosystems Fig. 2. These surlace plots show a variation of concentration in dissolved oxygen at 30 cm, 61 cm and 91 cm across the aquaculture pond with respect to the GPS co-ordinates (longitude and latitude). to monitor environmental quality. The addition of improved communication systems, image processing and use of such systems on aerial, other aquatic or amphibious vehicles are additional future possibilities. The continued use of automation and autonomous vehicles in aquaculture promises to improve productivity, reduce losses and care for the environment. Notes 1 Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Louisiana State University and LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. USA. References Bomford, M. and P.H. O'Brien. 1990. Sonic Deterrents in Animal Damage Control: A Review of Device Test and effectiveness. Wildlife Society Bulletin18:411-422. 46 MARCH 2007 Hall, S. G., R. R. Price and L. Wei. 2001. Design of an Autonomous Bird Predation Reduction Device. ASAE International Meeting St. Joseph, MI., Paper number 01-3131. Hall, S. G. and R. R. Price. 2003a. An Autonomous Scare boat to Reduce Bird Predation on Aquaculture Ponds. Louisiana Agriculture 46:4-6. Hall, S. G. and R. R. Price. 2003b. Mobile Semi-Autonomous Robotic Vehicles Improve Aquacultural Ventures by Reducing Bird Predation and Improving Water Quality Monitoring. Book of Abstracts, World Aquaculture Society. Louisville, KY. Hall, S. G. and R. R. Price. 2003c. Using Autonomous Robotic Vehicles for Aquacultural and Environmental Applications. CSAE Annual Meeting. Montreal, Canada., Paper number 03202. Hall, S. G., R. R. Price and N. Mandhani. 2004. Use of Autonomous Vehicles for Drinking Water Monitoring and Management in an Urban Environment. ASAE International Meeting. St. Joseph, MI. Paper number 047053. Hall, S., N. Mandhani, A. Mudgundi and R. R. Price. 2005. Use of Autonomous Vehicles for Improving Sustainability via Water Quality and Biological Pest Management. Presented at ASABE International Meeting (Tampa Fl, July 2005), Paper Number 054147, ASAE, St. Joseph, MI. USA Hoy, M.D., J.W. Jones and A.E. Bivings. 1989. Eastern Wildlife Damage Control Conference 4:109-112. Littauer, G. A., J. F. Glahn, D. S. Reinhold and M. W. Brunson. 1997. Control of Bird Predation at Aquaculture Facilities: Strategies and cost estimates. Southern Regional Aquaculture Center. Publication No 402, Mississippi State Cooperative Extension Service, Mississippi State, MS USA. LSU (Louisiana State University) AgCenter Research and Extension Service, 2004. 2004 Progress Report, Animal Commodities. LSU AgCenter,
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