William Crooks
David Caron (Robonotic), Denis Mongeau (Plongée Expert), Charles Plaisir (Senior Biologist, Bleu Massawippi), Laurence Langevin (Executive Director, Bleu Massawippi), Sabrina Leclercq (Junior Biologist, Bleu Massawippi), and Véronica Romero (Robonotic) on-site during the March 6 test of an underwater robotic system designed to monitor and combat invasive zebra mussels in Lake Massawippi
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A cutting-edge underwater robot was tested under the frozen surface of Lake Massawippi on March 6 in an effort to better understand and combat the spread of invasive zebra mussels. The trial, conducted by conservation group Bleu Massawippi in collaboration with robotics company Robonotic, marked a significant step in the fight against the species, which has been threatening Quebec’s waterways.
Laurence Renaud-Langevin, director of Bleu Massawippi, was on-site overseeing the first real-world test of the technology. “It was the first time we tried the machine in real conditions, outside of the lab,” she said. The initiative served a dual purpose: not only testing the robotic system but also gathering crucial winter data on the state of zebra mussels in the lake.
Zebra mussels are known to disrupt aquatic ecosystems by outcompeting native species and clogging infrastructure. Understanding their behaviour during winter could provide new insights into controlling their spread. “We had a gap for winter data, so we were trying to collect that as well,” Renaud-Langevin explained. By comparing this data with previous studies, researchers hope to confirm whether existing models accurately reflect conditions in Lake Massawippi. “Sometimes there’s a difference between what it should be or should look like and how the zebra mussels actually evolve,” she added.
The uniqueness of Lake Massawippi itself is another factor in the study. “It’s a peculiar lake compared to others,” Renaud-Langevin noted, adding that the mussels were expected to be in a dormant state during the winter. If this is confirmed, it could open the door to targeted eradication strategies. “If they’re actually sleeping, maybe we can use different techniques—like freezing them on the spot,” she said. The winter setting also meant fewer competing species were present, allowing researchers to focus directly on the invasive mussels.
The technology tested was the result of a collaboration with Robonotic, a Quebec-based company specializing in artificial intelligence and robotic solutions for ecological conservation. According to a related release, Robonotic’s co-founder, David Caron, has long been committed to developing tools to protect aquatic environments. His company’s innovative underwater robot is designed to detect and monitor the spread of invasive species before they gain a stronger foothold in ecosystems.
The testing process involved experienced diver Denis Mongeau of Plongée Magog, who was equipped with a live-feed camera system allowing real-time data collection. “We put a camera with him, so we had live feed and audio as well,” Renaud-Langevin said. The setup allowed researchers to request specific images or angles as needed, providing an efficient method for studying zebra mussel colonies beneath the ice.
Bleu Massawippi, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the lake and its watershed, has been actively working to monitor water quality and raise awareness about ecological threats. This latest project represented a significant step toward developing effective, science-based solutions to manage invasive species.
The initiative underscores the growing role of technology in environmental conservation, particularly as climate change accelerates the spread of invasive species into new habitats. With winter data now collected, researchers and conservationists hope to refine their strategies for keeping zebra mussels in check—before they cause irreversible damage to Lake Massawippi and beyond.