Development of a deep-water camera system capable of deployment on fishing gear

• Main Authors: Lamb, T, Maschette, D, Wotherspoon, S, Kilpatrick, R
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: Australian Antarctic Division 2019
• Subjects: Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences; Fisheries Sciences; Fisheries Management; Antarc*
• Online Access: http://heardisland.antarctica.gov.au/research/kerguelen-plateau-symposium/the-kerguelen-plateau-marine-ecosystems-and-fisheries; http://ecite.utas.edu.au/137152

Between 2006 and 2014, the Australian AntarcticDivision (AAD) undertook an extensive study into thevulnerability of benthic habitats to impact by demersalfishing gear, including otter trawl, demersal longliningand pots (Welsford et al., 2014). A major component ofthe study was to examine the fishing footprint of the differentgear types to determine the extent of their interactionwith benthic habitats. This was comparatively easyto estimate for trawl gear, but required that the lateralmovement of demersal longlines and the drag of potsbe quantified. A variety of mechanical and electronicmethods, including inertial sensors and drag wheels,were trialled, but ultimately it was determined that onlyunderwater video could provide the visual evidence ofmovement that would satisfy critics of the study.