V. Raoult , K. McSpadden , T.F. Gaston , J.Y.Q. Li , J.E. Williamson
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Surveying benthic communities has historically relied on snorkel or SCUBA, but these methods are labour-intensive, inefficient (∼1000 m2 per day covered for one dive pair) and depth-limited (<30 m depth). Here we detail a remote method using a towed mini-ROV that combines the depth capabilities and endurance of towed cameras with the flexibility and manoeuvrability of SCUBA and snorkel. Towed mini-ROV allows over 10 km of transects or 38,000 m2 of benthic surveys per day, produces data that can be geo-referenced, allows measurement of organisms using orthomosaics, can include physical data such as depth and temperature, and can operate from depths of 2–60 m without any gear changes. This setup requires only modest modifications of readily available equipment, and is relatively low-cost given the time and labour efficiencies gained. We provide some examples of the types of data that can be produced (video, imagery, spatial layer), as well as the sort of coverage that is realistic using real survey data obtained from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Results demonstrate this approach could be used on a large scale to rapidly survey benthic environments. It could be further improved by using a more hydrodynamic ROV design, and a more streamline pipeline that integrates data sources. Use of underwater positioning systems could improve spatial parameters, lasers could improve measurement accuracy, and additional cameras could increase spatial coverage, but at the cost of added complexity and hydrodynamic drag.
期刊介绍:
Marine Environmental Research publishes original research papers on chemical, physical, and biological interactions in the oceans and coastal waters. The journal serves as a forum for new information on biology, chemistry, and toxicology and syntheses that advance understanding of marine environmental processes.
Submission of multidisciplinary studies is encouraged. Studies that utilize experimental approaches to clarify the roles of anthropogenic and natural causes of changes in marine ecosystems are especially welcome, as are those studies that represent new developments of a theoretical or conceptual aspect of marine science. All papers published in this journal are reviewed by qualified peers prior to acceptance and publication. Examples of topics considered to be appropriate for the journal include, but are not limited to, the following:
– The extent, persistence, and consequences of change and the recovery from such change in natural marine systems
– The biochemical, physiological, and ecological consequences of contaminants to marine organisms and ecosystems
– The biogeochemistry of naturally occurring and anthropogenic substances
– Models that describe and predict the above processes
– Monitoring studies, to the extent that their results provide new information on functional processes
– Methodological papers describing improved quantitative techniques for the marine sciences.