Energy efficiency is important for underwater sensor networks. Designing such networks is challenging due to underwater environmental traits that hinder network lifespan extension. Unlike terrestrial protocols, underwater settings require novel protocols due to slower signal propagation. To enhance energy efficiency in underwater sensor networks, ongoing research concentrates on developing innovative solutions. Thus, in this paper, an intelligent bio-inspired autonomous surveillance system using underwater sensor networks is proposed as an efficient method for data communication. The tunicate swarm algorithm is used for the election of the cluster heads by considering different parameters such as energy, distance, and density. Each layer has several clusters, each of which is led by a cluster head that continuously rotates in response to the fitness values of the SNs using the tunicate swarm algorithm. The performance of the proposed protocol is compared with existing methods such as EE-LHCR, EE-DBR, and DBR, and results show the network's lifespan is improved by the proposed work. Due to the effective fitness parameters during cluster head elections, our suggested protocol may more effectively achieve energy balance, resulting in a longer network lifespan.
Keywords: bio-inspired algorithms; cluster heads; energy efficiency; routing; underwater sensor networks.