Scientists use Unmanned Aircraft Systems to survey wildlife in PMNM – Photos

UAS Project Lead Todd Jacobs (kneeling) and Puma operator LTJG Tanner Sims prepare to launch the Puma at French Frigate Shoals. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

UAS Project Lead Todd Jacobs (kneeling) and Puma operator LTJG Tanner Sims watch as they launch the Puma at French Frigate Shoals. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

Puma operator ENS Kerryn Schneider (left) and UAS Project Lead Todd Jacobs (right) assemble the Puma for deployment. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

Puma operator ENS Kerryn Schneider (left) and UAS Project Lead Todd Jacobs (right) assemble the Puma for deployment. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

Puma operator LTJG Tanner Sims (right) and UAS Project Lead Todd Jacobs (left) assemble the Puma for deployment. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

Puma operator ENS Kerryn Schneider (left) and UAS Project Lead Todd Jacobs (kneeling) prepare the Puma for deployment. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

Puma operator ENS Kerryn Schneider (left) and UAS Project Lead Todd Jacobs (kneeling) prepare the Puma for deployment. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

Dr. Charles Littnan views images from the Puma while Project Lead Todd Jacobs looks on. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

Puma operator LTJG Tanner Sims (left) and ENS Kerryn Schneider (right) man the Puma from the boat.

UAS team at Shell Beach on Tern Island. NOAA UAS Project Lead Todd Jacobs (left, standing), USFWS National Wildlife Refuge Biological Science Technician Michele Kuter (seated, in pink), NOAA Puma operators ENS Kerryn Schneider (looking into viewer) and LTJG Tanner Sims (seated, right), with filmmakers Andrew (standing, in background) and Robin Eitelberg (standing, with camera) on hand. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

A view of the Puma in flight. Credit: NOAA

Is it a bird, or an Unmanned Aircraft System? A seabird soars in the foreground while the Puma flies above. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

A view of Tern Island from the launch boat. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

A view of Tern Island with seabirds and rainbows. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

A view of the launch boat from the Puma. Credit: NOAA

A view of Trig Island from the Puma. Numerous sea turtles and some monk seals can be seen. Credit: NOAA

A view of Tern Island from the Puma. Credit: NOAA

Another view of Trig Island from the Puma. Numerous sea turtles and some monk seals can be seen. Credit: NOAA

USFWS Wildlife Refuge Specialist Meg Duhr-Schultz follows the flight of the Puma through binoculars. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA

NOAA Puma operator LTJG Tanner Sims checks the Puma status. Credit: Justin Rivera/NOAA