The Oceanographic Institute of Mozambique (InOM) now has an autonomous research boat (marine robotics) that will serve as an auxiliary resource to research conducted with the traditional vessel that requires a crew and is expensive.

Bernardino Malauene, researcher at InOM, explained that the boat is remotely controlled to gather environmental data on the state of the oceans, bathymetry and topografia of the seabed, salinity information, temperature, currents, among others.

According to the researcher, the equipment can also help in climate change research, because the oceans are undergoing transformations in recent years.

"The temperature of the waters is increasing dramatically. A scientfic study reveals that the Mozambique Channel is one of the oceans in the world that is warming the most, so we need information to monitor its condition," he said.

He added that the marine robot is equipped depending on the type of study intended.

"In the case of the Mozambique channel we can attach an acoustic instrument, to estimate the quantity of pelagic fish, those that are in the surface area," he stressed.

Malauene spoke of the focus on marine robotics for research, as a way to avoid dependence on partner research vessel.

The equipment is capable of traveling about three kilometers on the high seas, withstands adverse conditions such as bad weather, and uses sustainable means for its operation such as solar panels and batteries, afirmou.

"With the boat we no longer have to depend on international programs and partner ships. The marine robot can be transported, for example, in the trunk of a car to another point in the country, to gather information needed for the study," he stressed.

The Oceanográfico Institute of Mozambique is under the authority of the Ministry of Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries (MMAIP).