SubC Imaging has established a longstanding collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), with both organizations sharing key objectives centered on protecting marine environments and promoting economic development in the marine and fisheries industries.
For years, SubC Imaging’s subsea cameras and equipment have played a vital role in providing reliable data to support the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.
SubC’s autonomous subsea camera system contributed to DFO’s biophysical and ecological assessment of the Labrador Sea Frontier Area (LSFA). Data from the LSFA indicates that it serves as a habitat year-round for migratory marine mammals and fish.
Many of these species are of conservation concern, while others are highly susceptible to human disturbances. At the time of the study, available data on the region was very limited.
Advanced Subsea Equipment from SubC Imaging
SubC’s autonomous subsea camera system included an HD video camera for time-lapse footage and high-resolution still images, utilizing LED lights mounted on a bait trap.
The camera was programmable, and the entire system was powered by a low-power battery, enabling extended deployments at sea without requiring live control.
Given the limited prior knowledge of the area, large volumes of data were needed for a comprehensive ecosystem assessment to support conservation planning.
SubC’s technology facilitated research that helped close important data gaps for the LSFA, enabling researchers to gather valuable information on mesopelagic and demersal fish populations as well as benthic community structures.
The Labrador Sea Frontier Area (LSFA)
Footage collected by DFO showcased brittlestars (Ophiurida) and shrimp (Caridea) at depths surpassing 2,000 meters. Notably, there are over 2,000 brittlestar species, more than half of which inhabit depths greater than 200 meters.
Baited video captures of a brittlestar (ophiurida; red circle, left panel) and an Aristeidae shrimp (right panel) in the Labrador Sea Frontier Area.
Identifying Climate Change Indicators
Bamboo coral, another species observed during the baited camera trap deployment, is a significant environmental indicator for long-term climate change studies, with some specimens estimated to be over 4,000 years old.
Deep-sea corals, however, are highly vulnerable to bottom trawling activities. Additional species recorded in the footage included krill, red shrimp, wolf fish, and hagfish.
Bamboo corals (left panel) and sponge fields (right panel) observed during baited camera surveys in the Labrador Sea Frontier Area.
Affordable Research Solutions
Conducting research in the challenging Labrador Sea environment demands cost-effective and efficient equipment. Working within budget constraints, it is essential to use equipment that provides high-quality data.
SubC Imaging’s autonomous camera system simplifies operations by reducing the need for complex cabling and infrastructure, as it can be deployed with a simple wire winch.
SubC’s 4K and HD subsea cameras’ integrated scripting feature enables the camera to operate autonomously without requiring an external computer or additional personnel to issue scheduled commands.
