Advances in optical technologies to improve scientific information for the conservation and management of living marine resources

Recent advances in the development and utilization of optical technologies has enhanced the quantity, quality and timeliness of scientific information for the sustainability living marine resources. These advances are... [ view full abstract ]

Recent advances in the development and utilization of optical technologies has enhanced the quantity, quality and timeliness of scientific information for the sustainability living marine resources. These advances are particularly helpful for supporting data-limited stock assessments in habitats that are difficult to sample, such as coral reefs. Transitioning optical technologies into enhanced survey operations include improved stereo camera/video systems for more accurate identification and measures, autonomous platforms to cost-effectively increase survey coverage, and improved software with machine learning to streamline the labor intensive processing of underwater imagery data. To transition technologies beyond the research and development phase, an evaluation of the technology’s performance and cost-benefits is critical for developing the business case to transition technology into survey operations. This decision must be directed by management priorities and operational objectives, appropriate calibrations for standardized measures, and reliability of sustained measures for time series data used in assessments and forecasting. Rapidly evolving technology presents challenges for survey operations, data management, and maintaining a high level of accuracy and precision in environmental monitoring and survey operations that rely on standardized measures to support our long-term time series. As we strive to augment or enhance survey operations with innovative technologies, we should also minimize disruptions to our business practice for supporting stakeholders with the best scientific information available for effective policy decisions.