REMUS (Remote Environmental Monitoring UnitS) is a small AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) that is designed for use in nearshore waters.  The UH REMUS is equipped with sensors that measure salinity, temperature, currents, bathymetry and water quality parameters.   Using REMUS to collect these parameters provides a spatial context for the nearshore/offshore sensor network and water sampling programs.

Monthly Remus AUV surveys are carried out focusing on the south shore of Oahu as part of the Hawaii Ocean Observing System (HIOOS) funded by NOAA Coastal Services Center. In addition, AUV surveys also target specific water quality 'events' such as effluent spills and high run off periods.

The vehicle can operate at depths of up to 100m (328 feet) and comes with two ADCPs (Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers), one upward looking and one downward looking, and sidescan sonar.  The UH Remus is additionally outfitted with underwater modem communication, GPS navigation, a Seabird CTD, a Wetlabs ECO sensor, and Wi-Fi. Other sensors can be added as needed.  Four batteries power the vehicle for maximum mission distances of approximately 55 km at 3 knots. The vehicle is small in comparison to most AUVs, with a weight of 90 lbs REMUS can be deployed and recovered by two individuals from a small craft.

Data provided by the vehicle includes:

Water Quality - fluorescence, and optical backscatter at 2 wavelengths: 470nm, 700nm
Salinity
Temperature
Bathymetry
Current Profile & Acoustic Backscatter
Sidescan