Sediment Profile Imaging: An Efficient Method of Remote Ecological Monitoring of the Seafloor (REMOTSTMSYSTEM)

The Rhoads-Cande profile photographic camera and its updated version, the video REMOTS (Remote Ecological Monitoring of the Seafloor) system, are described for in situ remote monitoring of the seafloor. These systems allow one to identify temporal and spatial changes in both the benthic fauna and physical-chemical aspects of the sedimentary environment. Image interpretation is based on a model which allows one to deduce the stage of infaunal succession from observed organism-sediment relations. The REMOTS system was developed because existing methods of obtaining ecological information are labor intensive, expensive, and data return is slow. The REMOTS system may be used for efficient monitoring of dredge-spoil activities and as a reconnaissance mapping tool for detecting change in benthic habitats in the region of outer continental shelf drilling fields.