Abstract: In view of the shortage of energy supply and life cycle of underwater wireless sensor network, a new routing protocol algorithm based on clustering routing protocol is proposed, which is based on the cluster routing protocol. The ant colony optimization algorithm is used in the routing optimization of underwater wireless sensor networks, to find the optimal path in the data transmission, to achieve the energy saving cluster head node, and to extend the life cycle of the network. At the same time, in the cluster head election, optimize the cluster head election strategy, balance cluster head energy consumption. Simulation results show that the proposed protocol can effectively prolong the network lifetime and save the network node energy and improve the transmission efficiency.