Marine Habitat Mapping & Monitoring

Geo Oceans has set a new standard in survey efficiency and data quality by performing a range of real-time data analysis and processing tasks in the field. Our Mini-ROV systems and towed cameras (drop camera) combine with our GO Visions™ software, allowing for the collection of larger quantities of higher quality processed data. This allows us to create fine-scale habitat maps across large spatial areas, far more accurately and efficiently than previously possible.

The data can also be collated with other marine habitat and bathymetry survey data to model to map the distribution of the marine habitats. The maps can be used to quantify the spatial area of the marine habitats and to monitor changes over time.

Geo Oceans has also performed AUV benthic habitat surveys in difficult offshore and deep-water environments to produce high spatial resolution and high accuracy datasets supported by post-fieldwork image interpretation and analysis.

Habitat Mapping

Geo Oceans specialise in GIS habitat map production and can produce maps to any specifications required by the client such as Bathymetry Surveys. We have extensive experience in creating maps using a combination of new and existing data and can reclassify old data to suit the needs of newer projects, regulatory requirements or client needs.

We have developed a habitat classification scheme that has been accepted by regulators and has been successful in passing several large projects through the environmental approvals process on a number of occasions

GO VISIONS

The GO Visions™ technology has enabled Geo Oceans to set new standards in survey efficiency and data quality by performing a range of real-time data analysis and processing tasks in the field.

These improvements allow for the collection of far more accurate and cost-efficient results than previously possible. The data can be collated with other habitat and bathymetry data to model and map the distribution of the marine habitats.

GO Visions™ is used largely in conjunction with our various Mini ROV systems for quantitative assessments of percent cover and abundance to detect fine-scale changes within habitats, even those with sparse and patchy biota.

The GO Visions™ software processes semi-quantitative data in real-time to help guide decisions in the field and to check the data are suitable for the survey requirements. Back in the office we then analyse the data to generate quantitative statistics and reporting in an efficient manner.

GO VisionsTM real-time video analysis software is used to collect and assign benthic habitat data (e.g. substrate, biota, species composition, and percentage cover) to the GPS position of the towed camera or ROV. The software will capture one line of habitat data each second along a transect resulting in corrected GPS points, with habitat data, spaced one second apart along the transect line.

The data is captured in a spatial database where automated queries perform error checking and quality control, statistical analysis, and data display in a GIS software package.

The software can also be analysed post-field if necessary or used to analyse existing video data. This technology has been successfully used to monitor marine habitats using transect, tagged coral, and modeling methods on some of the world’s largest development projects.

The Go Visions suite allows for:
  • Real-time statistical data processing to check the data meets pre-defined conditions.
  • Production of fine-scale habitat maps (in real-time) to assist site selection.
  • Lower cost per sample means more replicates can be collected.
  • High spatial accuracy improves repeatability.
  • Operable in extreme conditions so exposed sites are not excluded.
  • Stereo images allows accurate size measurements.
  • Reduce variance between replicates.

Towed Camera Systems

The GO VisionsTM towed camera system is suited to projects requiring the collection of high-quality video and still images across large spatial areas quickly, accurately, safely, and cost-efficiently. 

The towed camera systems operate very well in conjunction with the GO Visions software package to collect and process geo-referenced habitat cover and composition data in the field in real-time.

Geo's Towed Camera Systems provides clients with:
  • Professionally Designed and Engineered Towed Camera Frames
  • High Definition or Standard Definition Video Options
  • Video Enhancement Hardware
  • High Resolution 18 megapixel Digital SLR Still Images
  • Speed, Reliability and Cost Efficiency
  • Highly Accurate Corrected GPS Positioning
  • Geo Referenced Stills and Video
  • Light, Compact and Highly Mobile ROVs

Quantitative Assessments

2019 Great Barrier Reef Towed Camera Survey.

Geo Oceans utilises quantitative methods to quantify substrate and biota composition, density, and cover to a fine-scale of taxonomic resolution. High-resolution still images are analysed using quantitative point overlay analyses software. This method is used to monitor and detect changes in subtidal and intertidal marine habitats and can be used to infer what environmental attributes are driving the changes (i.e. anthropogenic or natural impacts) and describes similarities (or differences) between sites to define ecological units and boundaries.

These surveys are suited to habitat monitoring projects associated with oil and gas, mining, ports, and harbours construction projects or any activities likely to impact environments over time such as dredging activity.

 

 

Fish Surveys

Our HD stereo video system mounted on a Mini-ROV records fish species for identification, enumeration and measurement. Our experienced team use specialised fish survey software to count individuals and measure size to millimetre accuracy.

The Mini-ROV system comes with the additional advantage of being very quiet, reducing the disruption of fish behaviour that can occur with divers. The GO Visions™ software provides an accurate measure of the size of the area surveyed.

marine habitat fish surveys.
Our fish survey services include:
  • Real-time statistical data processing to check the data meets requirements
  • Production of fine-scale habitat maps (in real-time) to assist site selection
  • Reduced variance between replicates
  • Lower cost per sample means more replicates can be collected
  • High spatial accuracy improves repeatability
  • Operable in extreme conditions so exposed sites are not excluded
  • Stereo images allow accurate size measurements

Marine Bio Security

Geo Oceans offers diverless Mini-ROV and subsea survey technologies for invasive marine species (IMS) inspections. High definition video, still images and inspection data are captured and viewed in real-time using towed cameras, ROVs and specialised software. The equipment can be transported on planes for quick mobilisation with small teams, anywhere at any time.

For IMS surveys we work closely with specialist biosecurity consultants to deliver the full range of biosecurity services and capabilities, including approved biofouling and IMS inspectors.

This combination of biosecurity expertise coupled with our innovative diverless Mini-ROV and subsea Inspection technology provides the industry with an efficient and cutting-edge approach to meeting their biosecurity obligations.

The combination of biosecurity survey capabilities with diverless and Mini-ROV technologies provides industry with another effective approach to meet biosecurity marine area and marine infrastructure survey obligations. These capabilities may serve as an early warning system, identifying the introduction and spread of an IMS or be used following the discovery of an IMS, fulfilling subsequent IMS control and management requirements.

Marine bio security.
Our marine bio security services include:
  • Industry leading IMS specialists ensuring compliance
  • Lower cost solution to marine biosecurity
  • Operable in extreme conditions so exposed sites are not excluded
  • Stereo images allow accurate size measurements
  • HD still imagery and video footage with real time data transfer
  • Reduced Carbon Emissions

AUV Systems

Geo Oceans autonomous technology can be of significant value to offshore operators not only in practicality and cost, but also in repeatability where projects require a temporal impact or change assessment over progressive datasets.

  • Autonomous surveys with subsea object avoidance protocols
  • Practical applications for use during simultaneous operations from mother ship
  • High accuracy subsea position from IMU and DVL
  • Highly accuracy altitude from pressure sensor and DVL
  • Speed, Reliability and Cost Efficiency
  • High Resolution georeferenced still images
  • Adaptable survey planning – variable transect distance, width, speed, altitude, turns, independent of vessel operations
  • Bathymetric and side-scan data can be collected from the same AUV to further investigate and validate collected data