NOAA Fisheries Milford Laboratory Leads with GoPro Technology

A quiet revolution occurs in the serene waters where oyster cages lie submerged. The NOAA Fisheries Milford Laboratory is a beacon of aquaculture research. It is currently, we are pioneering the use of GoPro cameras to study oyster farm gear and the diverse array of wild species that call these structures home.

NOAA Fisheries’ New Perspective Underwater

The project whns from the brisk days of May to the waning warmth of September. It is not solely focused on surveillance. It is a comprehensive study aiming to peel back the layers of the underwater ecosystem. With objectives pertaining to revealing how artificial structures can coexist with and even benefit the marine environment. The Milford Lab staff aboard the NOAA fisheries research vessel, armed with GoPro cameras and water-collecting gear, to capture a glimpse of life around the oyster cages.

Beyond Protection: Oyster Cages as Habitats

Farmers traditionally use oyster cages to protect shellfish from predators and minimize their farms’ environmental impact. However, the Milford team is delving more deeply, exploring the possibility that these cages offer much more. Anecdotal evidence has long suggested that shellfish farms are teeming with life. Life such as juvenile fish, crabs, snails, and other marine creatures are often found amidst the; however, these interactions are meticulously documented with GoPro cameras.

Ingenious Solutions for Real-World Research

The logistics of such an endeavor require ingenuity and adaptability. The Milford researchers are not confined to the controlled conditions of a lab; they are in the field. More accurately, in the tide, capturing real-world examples of oyster gear interactions. Their monitoring equipment must withstand the chof dryingdes and varying water turbidity levels.

Technician Dylan Redman has been instrumental in designing camera mounting systems. Ensuring the optimization of their field of view to document fish interactions with the cages. The team even adapted the GoPro cameras with magenta-tinted filters. This helps counteract the green coloration of the water, improving the visibility of marine life on film.

Assessing Ecological Services

We strategically deployed cameras on oyster cages to record fish interactions. Small platforms mount cameras to capture footage of natural rock reef habitats and featureless seabed areas. This comparative approach allows the researchers to assess the ecological services provided by each habitat type. This includes alot of data, ranging from food sources to protection from predators and refuge from strong currents.

NOAA Fisheries: Collaborative Effort

The project is a testament to the power of collaboration. The Milford team has worked closely with industry partners to ensure their research reflects current shellfish aquaculture technology and practices. The research vessel, Victor Loosanoff, plays a crucial role in this endeavor, with its captain, LTJG Erick Estela, ensuring safe and efficient field operations.

NOAA Fisheries’ Preliminary Findings and Future Insights

While the project is ongoing, preliminary observations have been promising. Adult fish use the oyster gear for courtship, while juvenile fish take shelter within the structures. These findings are just the beginning. The team expects to uncover a wealth of information as the project progresses. From species diversity to habitat use around aquatic farms.

Implications for the Future of Aquaculture

The implications of this research extend far beyond the immediate vicinity of the oyster farms. The insights gained could serve as scientific guidance for coastal area managers in permitting shellfish aquaculture. With a growing interest in seafood independence and a reduction of the seafood trade deficit in the United States, understanding these interactions is vital.

The NOAA Fisheries Milford Laboratory’s innovative use of GoPro technology shines a light on the unseen interactions beneath the waves. This offers a glimpse into the potential for a harmonious balance between aquaculture and the natural marine ecosystem. As the industry looks towards sustainable growth, the research conducted by the Milford team will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of oyster aquaculture.