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Low-cost, deep-sea imaging and analysis tools for deep-sea exploration: a collaborative design study

Bell, KLC; Chow, JS; Hope, A; Quinzin, MC; Cantner, KA; Amon, DJ; Cramp, JE; Rotjan, RD; Kamalu, L; de Vos, A; Talma, S; Buglass, S; Wade, V; Filander, Z; Noyes, K; Lynch, M; Knight, A; Lourenço, N; Girguis, PR; de Sousa, JB; Blake, C; Kennedy, B; Noyes, T; McClain, CR

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Authors

KLC Bell

JS Chow

A Hope

MC Quinzin

KA Cantner

DJ Amon

JE Cramp

RD Rotjan

L Kamalu

A de Vos

S Talma

S Buglass

V Wade

Z Filander

K Noyes

M Lynch

A Knight

N Lourenço

PR Girguis

JB de Sousa

C Blake

B Kennedy

T Noyes

CR McClain



Abstract

A minuscule fraction of the deep sea has been scientifically explored and characterized due to several constraints, including expense, inefficiency, exclusion, and the resulting inequitable access to tools and resources around the world. To meet the demand for understanding the largest biosphere on our planet, we must accelerate the pace and broaden the scope of exploration by adding low-cost, scalable tools to the traditional suite of research assets. Exploration strategies should increasingly employ collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research methods to promote inclusion, accessibility, and equity to ocean discovery globally. Here, we present an important step toward this new paradigm: a collaborative design study on technical capacity needs for equitable deep-sea exploration. The study focuses on opportunities and challenges related to low-cost, scalable tools for deep-sea data collection and artificial intelligence-driven data analysis. It was conducted in partnership with twenty marine professionals worldwide, covering a broad representation of geography, demographics, and domain knowledge within the ocean space. The results of the study include a set of technical requirements for low-cost deep-sea imaging and sensing systems and automated image and data analysis systems. As a result of the study, a camera system called Maka Niu was prototyped and is being field-tested by thirteen interviewees and an online AI-driven video analysis platform is in development. We also identified six categories of open design and implementation questions highlighting participant concerns and potential trade-offs that have not yet been addressed within the scope of the current projects but are identified as important considerations for future work. Finally, we offer recommendations for collaborative design projects related to the deep sea and outline our future work in this space.

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 15, 2022
Online Publication Date Aug 11, 2022
Publication Date Aug 11, 2022
Deposit Date Sep 14, 2022
Publicly Available Date Sep 14, 2022
Journal Frontiers in Marine Science
Electronic ISSN 2296-7745
Publisher Frontiers Media
Volume 9
DOI https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.873700
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.873700

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