Ocean wildlife and ecosystems are about to become more visible in UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs) thanks to a major underwater network of cameras according to an article on gov.uk. 

These cameras are known as Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) and will be deployed in UKOTs in the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Southern Ocean in territories that include Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Tristan da Cunha to name a few. The cameras will form a network known as the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network.

The deployment of the BRUVS will offer an insight to scientists and the UKOTs as to how to manage and protect their underwater habitats and the species that live in them, such as both open ocean and coastal reef fish.

‘The UKOTs are taking a global lead on protecting their oceans and the wildlife and livelihoods that it supports,’ said Dr Paul Whomersley, who is a project lead from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Agricultural Science (Cefas). They are working with fellow scientists from the University of Western Australia for this project along with Blue Abacus – the manufacturers of the underwater cameras. 

‘Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network will provide UKOTs with a world-first network of stereo-baited remote underwater video systems which will enable us all to better understand the biodiversity, functioning and connectivity of these ocean areas, while providing valuable and necessary data to inform and develop UKOTs marine management and protection strategies.’

This is a project that has been funded courtesy of the UK Government Blue Belt programme.