Explain why autonomous underwater explorers (AUEs) will provide entirely new kinds of information about ocean processes.

Autonomous underwater explorers (AUEs) will provide new information about the oceans. These innovative AUEs will allow researchers to sample the environments of coastal regions as well, and to better understand how small organisms operate in the complex surroundings of the oceans."

The miniature robots will aid in obtaining information needed for developing marine protected areas, determining critical nursery habitats for fish and other animals, tracking harmful algae blooms, and monitoring oil spills.