Patent ID: 8825241

Claim:
A fleet comprising: (1) a plurality of autonomous substance distribution vessels, each of which comprises a) a storage unit configured to release a solid substance into water in which the substance distribution vessel is traveling; b) electronics configured to sense the geographical location of the vessel; c) a microprocessor programmed to steer the vessel in accordance with its location; and (2) one or more autonomous monitor vessels that comprise: a) one or more sensors configured to determine a condition of water and/or air that is next to or nearby the monitor vessel; and b) a wireless transmitter configured to transmit data from the sensors on the monitor vessel to the substance distribution vessels or a central control unit; wherein the microprocessor on each substance distribution vessel is programmed to adjust release from the storage unit according to data received from the monitor vessels either directly or by way of the central control unit in accordance with the location of the substance distribution vessel.