LE3 .A278 2012

2012

Avery, Trevor

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

This study describes the applications and techniques involved with operating a low-budget underwater video surveillance system in conjunction with ecological and behavioral research. Underwater video monitoring was investigated in three areas: (1) remote monitoring of trapped American eel, (2) observations of Striped Bass and Gaspereau within the Gaspereau River salt wedge, and (3) vegetation surveys of a public watershed. Technical methods and issues of video surveillance range from active onboard recording, location selection and securing against tidal influence, direct observation, and monitoring animal behavior within a confined space. Software and technical issues (ie: lossy vs. lossless compression) as well as issues surrounding battery, CPU and storage limitations were also explored. Huffyuv was the most effective video format as it provided optimal compression without compromising quality, whereas other formats, including .mp4, were ineffective. Observations of eel behavior were effective, and extraction of habitat information from vegetation surveys shows promise if speed is kept to a minimum. Video observation show promise in both vegetation surveys and especially in remote observation of eel pots, but Striped Bass observations may require additional cameras and equipment as visibility and camera coverage proved to be limiting factors. Overall a wide spectrum of underwater video uses was explored to establish which areas of research may be supplemented by low-budget video recording.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:891