Design of a Stereo-RUV for Remote Study of Octopod Behavior and Ecology

Abstract

Remote underwater video recording techniques play an important role in the study of marine animals, certain natural behaviors of which may only be observed by remote instruments. Here the design, build, and testing of a stereo remote underwater video camera for the UW Psychology Gire Lab’s study of octopus den behavior is presented. The camera is designed as a field instrument to be deployed by divers. Deep Red Lights provide illumination for nocturnal observation on a spectrum octopus cannot sense. Footage from a stereo camera is recorded by a Raspberry Pi which is programmable for specific capture modes and sequences. The camera is powered by a pair of lithium ion battery packs that enable prolonged deployments. Testing of the camera demonstrated capture of high quality high frame rate stereo video, integrity of the housing, function of the lights, and safety of internal electronics for deployment by divers.