BotCam to MOUSS: Comparative Tests Generated by 2 Stereo-Camera Systems During Field Surveys in Hawaii

Stereo-camera systems have become integral tools in surveys of bottomfish species in the main Hawaiian Islands. At the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, camera sampling technology has transitioned from an analog system (Bottom Camera Bait Station—BotCam) to a high-definition digital system (Modular Optical Underwater Survey System—MOUSS) to increase sampling efficiency and data yield.

To ensure continuity of data streams between camera systems, comparative tests on species richness, relative abundance (MaxN), and length measurements were undertaken. No significant differences were found between BotCam and MOUSS in their ability to detect bottomfish species and in the relative abundance and length data generated by both systems thus allowing for continuity of videographic data streams.

Of the two camera systems, MOUSS generally produced better quality imagery leading to some more precise fish identifications and better measurement accuracy. BotCam, on the other hand, had greater light sensitivity at deeper sampling depths, allowing it to detect some species missed by MOUSS in light-limited conditions. While the MOUSS has shown to be an upgrade over the BotCam given the quality of imagery produced along with the benefits of a smaller overall form-factor and modularity, further fine-tuning of the low-light settings of the MOUSS would still be required for it to match the performance of BotCam in low-light environments.

Misa WFXE, Amin R, Asher JM, Richards BL, Taylor JC, Rollo AK, Miller DR, Demarke CD, Koyanagi KH. 2020. BotCam to MOUSS: Comparative Tests on Bottomfish Relative Abundance, Length Data, and Imagery Generated by 2 Stereo-Camera Systems During Field Surveys in Hawaii. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA-TM-NMFS-PIFSC-94, 26 p. https://doi.org/10.25923/ara7-2w20.