Pioneering techniques pave the way for future underwater surveying in Cardigan Bay
Scientists at the Department of Computer Science at Aberystwyth University have been working with marine conservation group Friends of Cardigan Bay to develop better techniques for studying the seabed which is vital for marine conservation and fisheries management. Cardigan Bay is renowned for its populations of dolphins and porpoises. Until recently the work of mapping and recording the sea bed had been done using the traditional “researcher and clipboard” technique which is costly and time consuming. The project has been looking at how video images of the sea floor can be reviewed by utilising computer software programs that is challenging in its own right. This will then be used to assist conservationists to classify the different habitats. The work was undertaken by postgraduate student Matt Pugh, marine expert Phil Hughes from Friends of Cardigan Bay, and Dr Bernie Tiddeman and Dr Hannah Dee from the University’s Department of Computer Science. Phil Hughes said: “The initi...