The role of precision components in protecting vulnerable species

Patrick Faulkner, lead engineer at component supplier Accu, looks at how engineers are working with conservation organisations to help protect some of the world’s most vulnerable species.

Arribada’s technologies have also been used to create time-lapse cameras to monitor penguin rookeries in Antarctica
Arribada’s technologies have also been used to create time-lapse cameras to monitor penguin rookeries in Antarctica - Arribada Initiative

At a time when many species worldwide are endangered, being able to track and gather data effectively using the latest technology is extremely important.  Engineers are therefore working closely with conservation organisations to ensure that precision components used in these assemblies can withstand the harsh environments and resist corrosion and degradation.

Real-world conservation

Conservation projects often take place in extreme environments - whether that be the depths of the ocean, the freezing conditions of the Antarctic or scorching deserts.  Precision engineering plays a pivotal role in ensuring that components are designed and manufactured to enable safe and secure tracking of marine, desert, tropical and polar organisms, as well as monitoring ecosystems for a significant period of time.  Sophisticated tagging devices not only facilitate research but also enhance data collection, which provides vital information to support species’ future survival.

Partnerships with conservation

The synergy between engineering firms and conservation organisations has led to ground breaking advancements, through the development of bespoke solutions tailored to specific conservation challenges.

Our engineering team was approached by Arribada Initiative, an organisation which develops open and accessible solutions for field conservationists and researchers.

Manta ray monitoring

One of Arribada’s latest innovations is an active vacuum enclosure to attach telemetry equipment to oceanic manta rays. The device was required to monitor the manta ray’s behaviour - specifically looking for behaviour change using 6-axis accelerometers.

For this project it was important to ensure components were compatible with non-invasive ways to attach equipment to the manta ray skin. Manta rays are a cartilaginous fish in the subclass Elasmobranchii, which also includes sharks, rays, and skates, so the device needed to minimise harm while maximising data collection.

Arribada’s technical team specifically required 316 (A4) Marine Grade stainless steel fasteners and assembly components to provide a reliable seal and ensure durability and longevity.

Arribada manufactured the active vacuum enclosure using SLS 3D printed parts, with components including stainless steel cap head screws, stainless steel hexagonal nuts and stainless steel flat washers. These components played a key role in the initial build, before being potted using a polyurethane potting compound. This ensures that no seawater or even moisture can enter the enclosure, creating a very robust tracking device.

The enclosure is fitted using compressed air, creating a vacuum to temporarily attach the specialised equipment to the manta ray. A galvanic release then dumps the air at a predefined time to release the attachment for recovery.

Worldwide conservation

Arribada’s technologies have also been used to create time-lapse cameras to monitor penguin rookeries in Antarctica.  This required components which were capable of withstanding sub-zero temperatures, as well as ice, saltwater and UV exposure. 

And in a similar project Arribada assisted the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in detecting polar bears in the Arctic, using thermal cameras.  Here thermal cameras were fitted with specially designed A4 stainless steel screws, nuts, bolts and fixings to provide longevity and aid conservationists in their efforts to monitor these majestic creatures.

In addition to wildlife projects Arribada Initiative works with a number of conservation organisations such as National Geographic on environmental projects.  This included recently supporting National Geographic’s Plastic: Sea to Source Expedition.

The project involved analysing plastic wastage journeys in the Ganges River in India, with a total of 30 plastic bottles being equipped with the Argos ARTIC transmitter to track their journey from river to open ocean. 

Each bottle was fitted with Arribada’s Horizon tracking platform, which used 316 (A4) Marine Grade stainless steel screws and fasteners to enable them to withstand freshwater, saltwater and UV exposure.

Longevity of equipment

High-quality precision components help ensure that conservation equipment performs over the long term, leading to more accurate data collection, which is crucial for understanding animal behaviour and environmental changes.

This was the case with the time-lapse cameras in the Arctic, which were originally designed for use over one year, but worked well for over three years, as a result of the robust components selected.

The development of high-quality engineering components designed to withstand extreme conditions is paving the way for innovative solutions that aid in the preservation of our planet's biodiversity.

Space exploration

As technology continues to evolve, the advancements made in developing equipment for extreme environments on Earth could have implications for space exploration. The challenges faced in the Antarctic or deep-sea environments mirror those found in outer space, making the knowledge gained from conservation projects invaluable for future missions.

Patrick Faulkner, lead engineer at component supplier Accu