# Cyborg Sea Creatures The SHOAL Robotic Fish Helps Detect Pollution in Oceans By Meghan Young | Published 2011-07-01 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoal-robotic-fish References: [dvice](http://dvice.com/archives/2011/06/pollution-sniff.php) & [roboshoal](http://www.roboshoal.com/) With the Gulf of Mexico oil spill still affecting cities and coastlines around the world, it makes you wonder what other kind of pollution may be happening underwater and that's where the SHOAL Robotic Fish comes in. Instead of sending out divers to explore the oceans and seas for pollution, this robotic sea creature could do the job longer and perhaps even more efficiently. Developed by scientists at Great Britain's Essex University, the SHOAL Robotic Fish completely waterproof and swims with amazingly accurate fish-like movements. Priced at about $29,000, it features pollution detecting instruments and a WiFi module that sends the data back to its user. I especially like how the SHOAL Robotic Fish will not disturb the [underwater habitat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nereid-marine-habitat) as it looks just like a fish too. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Robotic Sea Creatures:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop more advanced robotic sea creatures to perform specific tasks such as exploring underwater environments and detecting pollution. - **Pollution Detection Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create more efficient and accurate pollution detecting instruments that can be used in underwater environments. - **Underwater Exploration:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design robots or drones specifically for exploring the oceans and seas to gather important data on pollution and other underwater activities. ### Where This Applies - **Robotic Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Invest in the development of advanced robotic technology for industries such as environmental monitoring and underwater exploration. - **Environmental Monitoring:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create new technologies and systems for monitoring pollution in oceans and seas, providing timely data for conservation and disaster response efforts. - **Marine Research:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative tools and technologies for conducting research and exploration in underwater environments, enabling scientists to study marine life and ecosystems more effectively. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Automated Ocean-Cleaning Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellyfishbot.md) - [Sea Urchin-Sucking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-robot.md) - [Water Quality-Monitoring Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-dispenser.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Sea Mine-Destroying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minedestroying-underwater-robots.md) - [Oyster-Harvesting Water Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-robot.md) - [Autonomous Underwater Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-underwater-robot.md) - [Autonomous Aquafarming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cultivation-robot.md) - [Sonar Technology Pool Cleaners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pool-cleaner-robot.md)