POSTER Session 4

DEMOCRATIZING DEEP-SEA RESEARCH THROUGH ACCESSIBLE IN SITU IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES

Optical imaging is one of the primary methods used in deep-sea research to identify and monitor biological organisms in their natural environment. However, the high cost and physical size constraints of commercially available deep-sea imaging technology exclude many communities of ocean scientists from contributing to this field of research. Here we review a collection of accessible imaging systems and related technologies that are open-source and manufactured with 3D printed materials and epoxy potting techniques. These systems can be deployed to depths of up to 4000 meters and include an array of flat viewport cameras, a stereo imaging system, and a liquid-filled lens and camera system. In addition to the accessible design and decreased cost of these technologies, they are also compact in size and can be easily deployed and recovered on small vessels. Furthermore, the liquid-filled camera, PresTo, has the benefit of being pressure tolerant and minimizes distortions that are characteristic of traditional underwater cameras with flat viewports. Each of these imaging systems has been tested numerous times in laboratory settings and in the field to monitor deep-sea ecosystems. The goal of this work is to summarize a growing portfolio of low-cost and accessible deep-sea imaging systems, promote collaboration, and provide accessible solutions for the broader scientific community to participate in deep-sea research and exploration.

*Breanna Motsenbocker, University of Rhode Island, USA, [email protected], https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8709-3347

Brennan Phillips, University of Rhode Island, USA, [email protected]

Alexandra Runyan, MarineSitu, USA, [email protected]

Russell Shomberg, University of Rhode Island, USA, [email protected]

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