Marine Survey with FRC Environmental

On board "Ocean Dive" with FRC Environmental

ROV Innovations were contacted by John Thorogood at FRC Environmental to assist in completing an underwater habitat survey of various sites around the Queensland and NSW border.

The inspection called for six transects of approximately 800m as well as individual surveys of habitat and species diversity on the snapper rocks reef.

Due to the open frame of the Seamor ROV, we were easily able to rig a specialised towing rig for the ROV, allowing us to complete each 800m transect within 20 minutes. The rig allowed us to tow the ROV along pre determined GPS waypoints, while still allowing full control of the vertical thrusters, camera, and lighting of the ROV. The stability of the ROV on towing was spectacular, allowing us to collect high definition footage of the sea floor quickly, safely and efficiently.

Towing the ROV along pre determined GPS waypoints

Snapper Rocks on the QLD/NSW Border

Conditions on the day were extremely average, with rain squalls coming through every 30 minutes which hampered the topside equipment, and there was a 2-3 meter surge around the shallower snapper rocks site. Even with these conditions, the high definition camera on the ROV managed to capture awesome footage of the marine benthic community at all sites, allowing the ecologists at FRC to identify with confidence a myriad of species for their report.

Some of the benthic community at Snapper, note the large Wobbegong Shark on the Left..

The shallow Snapper Rocks site was inundated by long Sargassum algae.

Snapper Rocks Environmental Survey from ROV Innovations on Vimeo.

Thanks to John and Craig at FRC, as well as Chris from Ocean Dive.