Two autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), acquired by the Madeira Ocean Observatory through ARDITI, were presented today at 12:00 PM at the Observatory's Operational Center.
The total investment in the equipment amounted to approximately six million euros, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). These AUVs are capable of undertaking missions up to six thousand meters deep, collecting crucial data on biodiversity, chemistry, and oceanographic conditions, thereby enhancing the region's scientific capacity in the maritime domain.
The operation of this new scientific platform will involve an estimated annual regional investment of between 1.5 and 2 million euros. The goal is to secure around 100 days of operation funded by the Regional Government, with the remaining days dedicated to European projects and service provision.
