Researchers at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science launched an underwater vessel last week from Clearwater Beach that will help determine if red tide is crawling along the sea floor. The autonomous robot uses sensors to measure the likelihood of algae blooms and their location. It has wings and ballast adjustments that allow it to travel while floating and sinking along the way. USF scientists are hoping once this investigation is completed, it will help spark support for a long-term sampling effort to be used for red tide but also oil spills and other hazards that impact fishers.

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