January 15, 2025 — At NOAA Fisheries, optics technology plays a major role in gathering data to better understand our marine and coastal ecosystems. Optics uses tools such as advanced underwater cameras to generate video and images that scientists use to better understand biodiversity and track the behavior of species.
To collect data, many surveys have traditionally relied on securing time on a NOAA ship. Researchers typically sail to the area where the survey is taking place, but they are limited to collecting data in areas the ship can navigate. Ship time can be very costly, and researchers must plan their efforts around the time of year the ship is available.
Optics increases our capacity to help gather this same data by using video and image data instead of human observation. This is particularly helpful in the deepest parts of the ocean, which can be difficult to access due to a lack of light and extreme pressure. We are able to “see” the underwater ecosystems we protect while ensuring safer operations. Incorporating this information into our research provides a richer understanding of precious marine resources.
The findings have a direct impact on management decisions for habitat and species conservation. In warmer climates, we use optics to survey corals in the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program. In science centers across the country, we use remote underwater video cameras to identify marine resources.
In colder climates such as remote locations of Alaska, we identify marine mammals with drone footage and infrared optics. And in Antarctica, we attach cameras to autonomous underwater vehicles such as gliders to gather information on krill and plankton.