This September, The Nature Conservancy will launch the first controlled study of its kind to assess the impact of trawl fishing off California’s Central Coast-and you can be part of naming the new Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) that will be gathering the data.

The nominations are:

• Beagle –Darwin’s famous ship. Did you know that it’s his 200^th birthday this year?
• Petrale Patrol – Our ROV has sole.
• Rachel Carson – An environmental legend and an inspiration.
• Rock Lobster – What is a sea robin, exactly?
• Nemo – In honor of our latest underwater adventure.

The ROV, which is referred to as an underwater robot that hovers above the seafloor, gathers high-resolution video and still photographs of marine life and habitats – vital data that will be used in the fight to save California’s threatened oceans. The research will focus on soft-bottom seafloor habitats. The species and habitats that are being studied are often found in areas far beyond the grasp of divers, making the ROV crucial in this study.

ROVs are also used by treasure hunters across the world, including the team that unearthed the Titanic. The Conservancy’s ROV is equipped with downward and rear-facing cameras, sonar and a maneuverable arm that can be piloted from the ship or follow charted paths to depths of 3,000 feet.

Data collected by the ROV can also be used to enhance other Conservancy efforts, such as partnerships with local fishermen to pioneer environmentally and economically sustainable fishing techniques.

The Conservancy’s ROV will also be employed to assist the California Department of Fish and Game; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Marine Applied Research and Exploration, and other partners who will  research and monitor deep-sea habitats in the Channel Islands Marine Protected Areas.

Spread the word by becoming a fan of the Nature Conservatory on Facebook.