The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) in South Korea is responsible for creating and implementing the overall policy of the maritime and fisheries sectors. Their tasks include: promoting maritime safety and security, sustainably managing their fisheries, researching and developing new marine technologies, and monitoring and protecting the marine environment. However; monitoring and studying South Koreas' surrounding ocean ecosystem is challenging. South Korea has nearly 1500 miles of coastline along three seas and persistently deploying research vessels is very expensive and sometimes dangerous.
Faced with the challenge of surveying a large area while providing a diverse set of environmental data, MOF consulted the expertise of our partners, OceanTech. Knowing that there is only one proven platform that could provide this type of data for a long duration in a cost-effective manor, OceanTech recommended using Wave Gliders.
The first mission from the MOF used the Wave Glider along with traditional oceanographic survey devices, including aerial drones and a research ship to conduct a bathymetric survey near Ulleungdo Island in the East Sea. The MOF were thrilled with the results. KIm Su-yu, the Deputy Director said "It's maintenance cost and efficiency are the biggest merits of the Wave Glider. You don't have to worry about fuel costs, and because it's unmanned you don't have to worry about labor costs."
In addition to being cost-effective, the Wave Gliders' versatility also allows the MOF to accomplish more than just topographic surverys. With the help of our partners OceanTech, the MOF hopes to use the Wave Glider for a range of applications, including tsunami detections, seismic readings, monitoring marine life. and maritime surveillance. With these new capabilities, experts expect a new era of Korean maritime power allowing them to protect, monitor, and raise awareness of what lies beneath Korea's waters.
