New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research abstracts
Short communication Remote multi-camera system for in situ observations
of behaviour and predator/prey interactions of marine benthic macrofauna
David J. Mills1
Gerald Verdouw2
Stewart D. Frusher1
1Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute
University of Tasmania
Private Bag 49
Hobart
TAS 7001, Australia
email: david.mills@utas.edu.au
2SciElex
Unit 2, 3 Mertonvale Circuit
Kingston
TAS 7053, Australia
Abstract There are few options for obtaining information
on intra- and inter-species behavioural interactions between marine animals
other than direct observation. Underwater video and infrared lighting can
be used to overcome some of the biases and limitations associated with diver
observations. We outline the assembly and application of a multi-camera underwater
video system consisting largely of moderately priced components produced
for the security surveillance industry. Signals from up to eight cameras
on the seafloor are processed on a floating pontoon into a single video stream
and transmitted to a remote monitoring station for viewing or recording.
High-red and infrared lights are used for night viewing to minimise disturbance.
Experiments incorporating this system have provided high-quality data on
predation and behaviour of lobsters.
Keywords underwater video; animal behaviour; predator/prey
interactions
M04083; Online publication date 31 May 2005 Received 31 March 2004; accepted
26 August 2004
New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 2005, Vol. 39:
347-352
0028-8330/05/3902-0347 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2005
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