Diver deployed autonomous time-lapse camera systems for ecological studies

Abstract

ABSTRACTPhotographic time-lapse techniques are especially useful in the marine realm for visualising long-term processes and remote monitoring of sites/objects/organisms where the presence of researchers might cause some study bias, or access is limited or impossible. With rapid advances in technology development there is easy access to new tools for time-lapse photography and setting up systems is relatively inexpensive. The essential requirements for low-cost autonomous time-lapse camera systems to be self-sufficient and reliable enough to withstand the extended periods of deployment (up to one year) on the sea floor at up to 50 m depth are presented. In this example a custom-made system developed originally for monitoring the activity of filter/suspension feeders and scavenging fauna in the polar conditions is described. The major issues encountered during the preparation and deployment which should be of benefit to users involved in underwater time-lapse photography are considered.