BRUVS (TM) - Fish and Benthic survey of Inshore Shoals : Rockingham Bay 2010-05-10 to 2010-05-13

Full description

The dataset comprises 224 individuals from 25 species of fishes, sharks, rays and sea snakes observed at around Inshore Shoals : Rockingham Bay using 5 baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS(TM)). 45 images were captured from these cameras.

Approximately 3500 of the best images from all BRUVS (TM) projects are stored in a reference library.

Data recorded concern:
- classification of the habitat in the field of view (topography, sediments, benthos)
- the identity of fish and CAABCODES
- their time of arrival
- their behaviour (8 categories, including feeding on the bait)
- their maturity (adult or juvenile)
- their relative abundance (as MaxN = the maximum number visible at one time, or distinguishable at different times as separate individuals e.g. much larger/smaller, male/female)
- the time elapsed before MaxN and feeding occurs.

A custom interface has been developed by AIMS staff, using Microsoft Access, for reading and analysis of BRUVS(TM) tapes.

Lineage

Maintenance and Update Frequency: notPlanned

Statement: Tape reading protocols have been developed in a customised interface using Microsoft Access. The unique combination of a site and a Camera Number links all records in a series of tables in the relational database, allowing access to times that events occurred, together with reference images and reference video. The BRUVS (TM) were deployed about 350-400m apart with the prevailing wind to bracket the coordinate of each sampling site. In some instances, a stereo-video BRUVS (TM) was deployed first, followed by three or four BRUVS (TM) with single cameras. Each BRUVS (TM) consisted of a galvanized trestle-shaped frame enclosing a simple camera housing made from PVC pipe with acrylic front and rear ports. Mini-DV HandiCams with wide-angle lens adapters (0.6X) were used in the housings. Exposure was set to 'Auto', focus was set to Infinity/manual' and 'Standard Play' mode was selected to provide at least 45-60 minutes of filming at the seabed. Detachable bait arms (20 mm plastic conduit) had a 350 mm plastic mesh canister containing one kilogram of crushed oily sardines (Sardinops or Sardinella spp) as bait. BRUVS (TM) were deployed with 8 mm polypropylene ropes and polystyrene surface floats bearing a marker flag, and were retrieved with a hydraulic pot-hauler wheel. A scope length of 2 times water depth was used on the ropes.