Result description
A low-cost custom-made underwater live-view drift camera system was designed by IMAR-UAz. The system consists of a drift camera, a 4K action camera that captures high quality images of the benthic fauna, and a HD camera connected by electric umbilical to the surface that provides an overview of the area being explored. The system is equipped with external batteries, a set of parallel laser beams and low-cost depth (rated to max. 1000 m) and temperature (-2°C to 35°C) sensors capable of recording environmental data every second. The system was tested during MapGES 2018 on board of the N/I Arquipélago, however, abandoned fishing lines limited the system’s ability to explore due high risk of entanglement. The system was updated, and the new version was tested during the MapGES 2019 cruise, where over 150 successful deployments were carried out.
The team also developed a stereo-baited remote underwater remote video system designed to attract and record fish. This system is complementary to the drift camera system, with most of its parts completely interchangeable to facilitate their use and adaptability.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Help in technical expertise
- Collaboration
The main objective behind this technological development is to facilitate deep-sea research amongst groups that currently do not have the monetary capacity to undertake large oceanographic expeditions or hire commercial ROVs. The system facilitates quick surveys of the seabed and can be used to identify areas of interest that could be later fully explored using more sophisticated and expensive techniques. We would like to raise awareness of the system to enable other to build their own based on our designs.
We are also interested in collaborations to increase capacity of the system.
- Other Actors who can help us fulfil our market potential
- Research and Technology Organisations
- Private Investors
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by IMAR – INSTITUTO DO MAR
