How to build a low-cost underwater camera housing for aquatic research

Abstract

Remote cameras are an increasingly important tool in field-based biological research. Terrestrial researchers can purchase inexpensive off-the-shelf cameras, but aquatic researchers face challenges in adopting similar systems for underwater science. Although technology allows researchers to deploy cameras in any aquatic environment, high procurement costs are often a barrier, particularly for studies that require the collection of lengthy videos. In this note, we provide a detailed guide explaining how to assemble an underwater camera system for less than $425 USD. We focus especially on the construction of the underwater housing, which is typically the most expensive component of an underwater camera system. As described, this system can record 13 h full high-definition videos in depths up to 100 m. It can be constructed and assembled with limited technical background using tools available in most workshops. The guide includes a general overview of the system, a full list of components, detailed instructions on constructing the camera housing, and suggestions on how to mount and use the camera in fieldwork. Our goal for this note is to promote the wider use of remote underwater cameras in aquatic research by making them accessible to those with limited financial means.

Using underwater video to evaluate the performance of the Fukui trap as a mitigation tool for the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) in Newfoundland, Canada

“…We used custom-built camera housings with Sony HDR-AS20 Action Cameras capable of recording 13-hour high-definition underwater videos (as described in Bergshoeff et al, 2017 ). We mounted each camera system to a wooden frame built around a standard Fukui trap.…”

Peer Review #3 of "A field-based investigation of behavioural interactions between invasive green crab (Carcinus maenas), rock crab (Cancer irroratus), and American lobster (Homarus americanus) in southern Newfoundland (v0.2)"

“…To record underwater video of lobster traps fishing in situ we designed and assembled a camera system capable of recording full high-definition videos for 13 continuous hours at high resolution (1080p) (see Bergshoeff et al, 2017). We mounted the camera housing to a wooden frame constructed around standard commercial single-parlour wire-mesh (3.8 cm mesh size) lobster traps capable of catching all types of crustaceans.…”

“…We employed three pre-stocking conditions (traps with green crab, traps with native crab, and traps with no pre-stocked crab) to assess the impact that green crab had on lobster catch rates. Further, we used a custom-built underwater video camera (described in Bergshoeff et al, 2017) to directly observe traps during deployments and assess the behaviour of lobster in relation to both species of crabs. Finally, we conducted SCUBA surveys around the deployed camera traps to assess the extent to which our observations were mediated by the densities of lobster, green crab, and native rock crab in the vicinity of deployed gear.…”

Peer Review #2 of "Using underwater video to evaluate the performance of the Fukui trap as a mitigation tool for the invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) in Newfoundland, Canada (v0.1)"

“…We used custom-built camera housings with Sony HDR-AS20 Action Cameras capable of recording 13-hour high-definition underwater videos (as described in Bergshoeff et al, 2017).…”