Using a Baited Remote Underwater Video System (BRUVS) with dual mounted cameras, marine scientists have been capturingfootage of the pelagic fish community in Bermuda. In efforts to evidence Bermuda’s ocean biodiversity and ecosystems, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) hosted Dr Jason Meeuwig of Blue Abacus to enable the deployment of a number of BRUVS in areas of sensitive habitats.
Dr Jason Meeuwig of Blue Abacus said “Deploying BRUVS allows us to get a visual and scientific understanding of what is going on beneath the surface of the water, providing the people of Bermuda an opportunity to make informed decisions about their critical marine resources.”
The Governor joined Dr Meeuwig and DENR marine scientists to observe and assist with the deployment of the BRUVS. The BRUVS are mostly made of carbon fibre, with special design and weighting to keep them in position. The cameras record marine life in their vicinity, attracted by bait held in a perforated container.
Supported by the Coastguard, the group visited a number of locations where they launched the BRUVS from a boat. The BRUVS were then left in the ocean for 1-2 hours before being retrieved and the data from the cameras downloaded. Marine scientists then study the footage, identify the species and count how many of each species are seen. The use of dual mounted cameras means that fish can be sized as well as counted.
On return to shore, the Governor was also able to view footage of species seen in the Bermuda waters, which included a juveniletiger shark. Bermuda is one of ten Overseas Territories documenting the status of their open ocean wildlife through the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network (GOWAN), to build ocean resilience. The data produced will provide DENR with the evidence needed to monitor and sustainably manage the marine environment around Bermuda.
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