PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - The newest ocean research tool in New England looks like a surfboard. But it acts like a surveillance drone.

An ocean-going, robot known as a Wave Glider is being launched off the Maine coast Thursday for a six- to eight-week test run through the Gulf of Maine. Unmanned and remotely operated, it will collect data on ocean conditions and identify the locations of certain tagged fish.

While making its way through the gulf at 1-2 mph, the 7-foot robot will be monitored and controlled from shore. It requires no fuel because it uses waves for propulsion.

The demonstration project is coordinated by the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System. Participants include Wave Glider manufacturer Liquid Robotics Inc., based in California, and the University of Maine's School of Marine Sciences.

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