Project Update
The iLab, in collaboration with CIMERS post-doctoral scholar Kyle Neumann, designed and developed the first prototype for a submersible camera system. It mounts to long-line fishing gear. The system will help researchers better understand the impact of long-line fishing gear on sensitive coral and sponge habitats.
Since the initial prototype was created, the system has seen some upgrades. Below is a picture of the three elements of this project. The black cylindrical enclosure is a battery housing designed and built by Sexton Corporation. It contains the control electronics developed in-house by the iLab team. The silver enclosure with the yellow dot is the iLab-manufactured LED light source. The other silver enclosure, also manufactured by the iLab team, is a camera housing containing a Sony camera and custom-developed electronic controls.
Project Summary
Client: Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystem and Resources Studies (CIMERS)
Problem: CIMERS is looking for the development of a fishing gear mounted camera and light mechanism. The goal will be to provide high-quality video of fishing gear as it interacts with or moves through sensitive areas such as coral reefs.
Solution: The iLab worked in conjunction with post-doctoral scholar Kyle Neumann to design and develop a programmable camera and light structure which mounts into a crash frame and can then be attached onto long-line fishing gear for in water inspection of gear. The system uses a single wide-angle camera and a high-powered dive light, all of which is connected to a custom built circuitry for depth-based control.
Future: The first prototype of the system is currently undergoing testing in Junea, AK, after which a second updated system will be built.
Pictured above is the first generation of the camera system. The upgraded system (shown above top) is currently in Alaska, where it will be integrated and field-tested. Researchers will be building a frame for the enclosure that mounts the system to the fishing gear it will inspect.