Red snow crab habitat monitoring using autonomous deep sea camera

Abstract

An autonomous underwater camera is developed for monitoring the red snow crab habitat in deep sea. Most of the deep sea cameras are designed such that they can be used with special deep sea exploration instruments such as underwater vehicles. However, a developed camera can be attached to the fish traps for catching the red snow crab, and fishermen who are not underwater camera experts can handle this camera as well. Because the camera is an all-in-one type device that includes all electrical components for video recording such as the camera module, lights, and battery in a single cylindrical pressure housing, the camera can be used for periodical and frequent deep sea video recording along with fishing operations. Red snow crabs living on the seafloor, 1,000 m deep, are recorded using the camera, and the seasonal change in their activity is monitored