alright, my attempt at an Expression of Interest for project funding. -- (edited)
Posted by
Beryllium (aka grayman)
Feb 18 '20, 23:57
|
Cleaning the Bottom: Visual Learning Series for ROV-Assisted Ocean Cleanup
---
"Cleaning the Bottom" will educate people about various options for detecting and retrieving ghost gear. This will be accomplished by creating videos for YouTube, plus additional educational material, such as a website and printable information. The project will explore using Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs) from consumer-level manufacturers to better understand the conditions of the sea bottom, particularly around harbours and frequent fishing areas during the off-season.
Consumer ROVs can reach a depth of 100-150 metres, and several models include "grabber arms". The videos will demonstrate using a grabber arm to attach retrieval cables to gear that is found on the bottom. Sonar devices will also be explored as a way to find gear, which will optimize ROV usage. The project will also feature locally-available options for recycling and disposal of recovered gear.
The project will require purchasing 2 different consumer ROV models (BlueRobotics ROV2, Geneinno Titan ROV), which support "grabber arm" accessories. Ordering two units will increase the variety of information the series can convey and helps to work around potential manufacturer delays. The exact side-scan sonar unit to be purchased is still being researched. Access to waterways may need to be discussed with each harbour's respective authorities. Additional recovery scenarios can be simulated using crab traps in low-traffic/off-season areas.
The project ask does not include acquisition of a boat for these operations. Costing will be based on estimates of charter/rental/moorage fees and fuel consumption. One or more charter companies may be willing to donate boat time to the project.
Audiovisual gear will be required by the project, as will the services of a professional video editor. Aerial footage would also be beneficial. Sparrow Imaging is willing to contribute their services to the project with discount.
Project Activities:
* ROV dives for gear recovery
* Locations under consideration: Pedder Bay, Ucluelet Harbour, and nearby fishing areas shallower than 150 metres
* Demonstrating piloting of ROVs and retrieving ghost gear such as crab traps, prawn traps, and fishing nets
* 6+ videos posted to YouTube documenting these dives
* Communicating with gear recovery experts to explore additional options for spreading awareness and strategies around gear recovery
* Building a website & print materials to bring information to local fishing communities
Equipment budget for the project is estimated to be $16,000. This allocates $10000 for the two ROVs and their accessories, $3000 for audio/visual hardware, and an unknown amount for side-scan sonar equipment, ideally less than $3000. Audio/visual hardware consists of a low-cost 4K resolution video camera, wind-proof audio gear, and multiple waterproof cameras.
Non-equipment costs are estimated to be $15,000, including fuel, charter/rental fees, and videography/editing. This factors in some discounted rates on charter costs and videography.
This brings the total estimated budget for the project to $31,000. At the conclusion of the project, the equipment will then be used for ocean exploration services and further education around ocean conservation and ghost gear recovery.
---
I think it doesn't quite meet all the requirements of the section description, though:
"Project Overview"
"Please provide a brief overview of the project, including the main goals objectives and activities, budget estimates (including SFSRSCP ask and any supporting funding currently in place or anticipated) and the time frame for your proposed project."
Yeah, I'm missing the funding-currently-in-place-or-anticipated part (aside from the vague reference to discounts), as well as the timeframe part. Hmm.
|
Responses:
|