Patent ID: 6119630
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for in situ monitoring a quality of habitat of aquatic organisms, comprising:a framework having an upper end connectable to a buoy and a lower end connectable to a mooring,a camera attached to said framework, said camera being adapted for underwater operation and having data storage capabilities for registering a number of images;instrumentation also attached to said framework and containing instruments relative to characteristics of said body of water and a power supply means connected to said instruments for operating said instruments; anda support structure mounted on said framework and extending in front of said camera, said support structure comprising a pair of spaced apart telescopic arms extending away from said camera, and a frame affixed to said telescopic arms, said frame having means for defining a plane perpendicular to a line of sight of said camera, and means for supporting an aquatic organism specimen in front of said camera;such that said framework is submersible at a set depth in a body of water and a behaviour of an aquatic organism specimen is observable by said camera when said apparatus is adapted to be submerged in said body of water, and said aquatic organism specimen is attached to said support structure.