Lithuania’s environmental agency acquires underwater drones for pollution monitoring

Lithuania’s Environmental Protection Department has purchased eight underwater drones to enhance monitoring of pollution sources and environmental violations, state news agency BNS reported on Saturday.

The Deep Trekker DTG3 drones will be used to identify contamination sites, inspect submerged objects, and document potential breaches of environmental regulations. The agency confirmed that training sessions on operating the new equipment took place this week.

Acting department director Eglė Paužuolienė stated the technology would improve efficiency in state environmental oversight. “By strengthening our technical capabilities, we aim to make environmental protection supervision more effective and responsive,” she said. “These drones will allow us to detect potential pollution sources faster, conduct inspections in hard-to-reach areas, and more accurately record violations.”

The total cost of the drones reached €118,308, funded through state budget and EU funds. The agency emphasised that the equipment would contribute to stronger protection of water bodies and better compliance with environmental standards.