Underwater Photography in Fisheries Research

Abstract

Underwater photography is reviewed with particular respect to the recording of fish in relation to fishing gear by unmanned cameras. The attenuation of natural and artificial light are discussed. Object contrast and its attenuation through the medium are the main problems of underwater photography. Increase of photographic contrast has only limited scope, but other ways of improving image-recording are suggested. The mounting of cameras is related to the amount of information required which can be obtained from each photograph. Stereo photography and some motion analysis greatly increase the amount of information. Diver-operated cameras should be used in shallow water before constructing elaborate unmanned camera systems.