Development of an Acetic Acid Injection Device for Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Controlled by a Remotely Operated Underwater Robot

摘要

<div class=""abs_img""> <img src=""[disp_template_path]/JRM/abst-image/00270005/14.jpg"" width=""300"" /> Injection into the starfish</div> We have been studying and developing an underwater robot for coral reef conservation. This paper describes the development of an acetic acid injection device mounted on an underwater robot for use in exterminating crown-of-thorns starfish that damage corals. First, we outlined the ecology and morphology of the crown-of-thorns starfish to identify requirements for the acetic acid injection device. Based on the requirements identified, we designed and prototyped an acetic acid injection device to be installed on an underwater robot. Next, we installed the developed injection device on a remotely operated vehicle and injected acetic acid into crown-of-thorns starfish under water. We describe the effectiveness of this acetic acid injection device for exterminating crown-of-thorns starfish. The experimental results prove that the developed acetic acid injection device can inject acetic acid into crown-of-thorns starfish just as intended, and that an underwater robot installed with such device can be used effectively to aid in the extermination of crown-of-thorns starfish. </span>