Utilization of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for fish survey standing stock assessments

Three remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) were evaluated as research tools for assessing the fish populations of offshore oil and gas production platforms along the outer continental shelf and slope in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Each ROV was evaluated in terms of its effect on fish behavior, viewing geometry, scale perception, navigation, maneuvering and station-keeping capabilities, and quality of data collected remotely by closed circuit television. Statistical tests indicated that all three remotely operated systems were equally effective for sampling the fish assemblages present. Suggestions for improvements in system designs and utilization techniques were made.