Manawan’s Atikamekw community provided specialized training on underwater drone piloting to 5 of our team members, between May 21 and 24, 2024. Casimir Boivin, a Wildlife Technician, and Stéphane Clermont, an Environmental Project Manager and Consultant for the Wildlife and Ecosystems team (Ka-kataskimietc) of Manawan, provided the training.
The underwater drone is a powerful tool that allows water body characterization without getting wet, reducing risks associated with underwater diving. However, its operation is delicate, requiring practice and training. This is exactly what the Manawan community trainers offered to our team members.
From Training to Practice
The experts first introduced the team to the theoretical aspects of drone handling, including pre-deployment preparation, post-use cleaning, and mounting additional tools (like grippers, sonar, etc.).
Subsequently, the trainers offered a practical session on Kempt Lake to demonstrate basic manoeuvring techniques and allow the team to familiarize themselves with the drone’s remote-control system. This was an opportunity for all team members to practice in calm waters.
During a second practical session, this time in a river, the trainers shared techniques for piloting the underwater drone in moving water conditions. The team tackled small challenges during this session, such as using the drone’s mechanical arm to retrieve objects lost at the river bottom.
Thanks to Manawan community’s expertise, our Conservation and Biodiversity team members were able to develop a new skill and explore the use of an innovative tool for aquatic ecosystem conservation. The exchanges and relationships built during this week truly allowed us to immerse ourselves in the territory’s reality and the Ka-kataskimietc team’s work, while acquiring useful knowledge in supporting projects led by different First Nations.
A huge thank you to Casimir Boivin and Stéphane Clermont, as well as the Atikamekw Community of Manawan for welcoming us to their territory again. We are grateful to have appreciated its beauty during boat trips and to have had the chance to visit the Matakan camp.
