01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-09-0052 |
| Title of Abstract | Advancing deep-sea observations in the Western Indian Ocean with BRUVs and lander platforms: Ecosystem and process mapping to support sustainable management |
| Authors | Kaylee Smit*, Anthony Bernard, Lara Atkinson, Dani Julius, Jordan van Staden |
| Organisation | South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) |
| Address | 4 Wilson Way Umhlanga, KWAZULU-NATAL, South Africa Pincode: 4051 E-mail: kayles.smit@gmail.com |
| Country | South Africa |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | Despite growing global attention to the deep sea, much of the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) remains unmapped, unexplored, and poorly understood. The South African National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) are leading efforts to address these gaps through the deployment of innovative remote imagery technologies, including Baited Remote Underwater Stereo-Video Systems (Stereo-BRUVs) and benthic lander platforms. These tools provide cost-effective, non-destructive means of exploring benthic habitats and species, and collecting in situ environmental data, across continental margins and deep-sea environments. Through ongoing national and regional collaborations, including research within South African Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and other expeditions in the Maldives, Seychelles and Comoros, these research platforms have enabled the discovery of new species, extended range records, and detailed insights into habitat types across broad depth gradients (up to 1000m). Recent innovation includes a 3500m stereo-BRUVs lander with associated environmental instruments (e.g., CTD, current meters and nutrient analysers), and other full ocean technologies. These contribute to marine spatial planning, biodiversity assessments, and the design of monitoring frameworks for deep-sea MPAs. Looking forward, new opportunities are emerging to extend these platforms across the broader WIO region through shared infrastructure, training, and joint expeditions. Future deep-sea exploration must incorporate more process-oriented research, including the integration of microprofilers, sediment traps, long-term lander deployments (multi-year), and respirometers. This will advance ecosystem and biogeochemical process understanding. Proposed deep-sea observation efforts aim to align with IIOE-2 priorities and UN Ocean Decade goals, strengthening collaborations and building regional capacity. This presentation highlights project outputs, methodological advances, and proposed strategies for scaling up seabed and habitat mapping using visual and environmental datasets. It makes the case for enhanced regional cooperation and investment in deep-sea science to better inform conservation, resource management, and marine spatial planning across the Indian Ocean. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Stereo-BRUVs, Landers, Benthic Habitats, Ecosystem Processes, Biogeochemistry, Visual observations |
| For Awards | no |