There are many options for collecting benthic imagery but most have a constrained field of view, adding uncertainty to observations at habitat edges or in high-relief areas. This uncertainty then impairs the correlation of benthic composition with bathymetry and other covariates in statistical models.
We have been trialling a new 270˚ stereo-video drop camera system for habitat characterisation. The design is extremely rugged to protect the calibration of the stereo cameras and enables deployment and retrieval with commercial winches suitable for deep-water offshore surveys.
Here we will outline how we utilise the system in spatially-balanced surveys to characterise habitats across ancient coastline features within Australian Marine Parks. Coupled with detailed seafloor bathymetry, this tool provides a cost effective way to quantify habitat assemblages and produce spatial predictive maps of values and features to inform marine park management.