Marine Remote Imagery Platform

The Marine Remote Imagery Platform (MARIP) offers scientists the ability to conduct ecological research on benthic biota across the continental shelf of South Africa, from the shallow subtidal to depths of 250m. The platform allows for data collection on both demersal and benthic fish populations as well as sessile and mobile invertebrate species. Fish assemblage: The primary method for fish assemblage assessments are underwater remote stereo-video systems (stereo-RUVs). The stereo-RUVs can be used with or without a bait attractant (stereo-BRUVs). The data output from the stereo-video samples include species composition, relative abundance and length of fish. In addition environmental data including water temperature, water clarity, habitat type and habitat complexity can be measured. The systems can operate between 5 and 250m depth off research vessels fitted with a capstan winch and a derrick arm. The systems come with high powered blue LEDs lights for research at depths where light is limited. At present eight systems of available. These can be used together off large vessels or split into multiple sets for use off medium sized vessel. All software and calibration equipment are provided within the platform. In addition to the stereo-camera systems there are five mono-camera systems that can be used for assessments of species composition and relative abundance. Invertebrate assemblages: To complement the fish data from stereo-B/RUVs, the platform includes two jump cameras that can be used to collect habitat information over similar depth ranges. At present the Jump Cameras are designed to collect photo quadrats (⅓ m2), however stereo-imagery add-on systems will soon be available to measure the erect growth forms to compliment the photo-quadrats. This will enable the jump cameras to provide data on species composition, and frequency occurrence together with various measurements of size and height. The jump cameras come with white LED light systems to work in low light and dark environments and additional probes to record water depth and water temperature.