PROJECTS /
Seascape
Project Summary
New tool changing the way scientists survey the seafloor
Engaging 3D models show what is happening underwater
Better insights = better decision making
Photo Credit / Paul Caiger
BRINGING THE UNDERWATER REALM INTO FOCUS
The work of Dr Arie Spyksma at the University of Auckland is bringing the underwater realm into focus – giving researchers, students and decision makers a clear picture of what exactly is happening in important marine habitats using interactive 3D models of the seafloor.
The Seascape project, pioneered by Spyksma and New Zealand Geographic, is changing the way scientists and citizen scientists gather data, making it faster and easier to gather valuable scientific information over a much greater area in a single dive. Using this tool, mapping a 200m² area takes just 6 minutes, whereas using traditional methods (e.g. a 1m² quadrat) it would take hours.
“Adapting photogrammetry technology for use underwater will give us the view of our marine habitats that satellite imagery provides on land. Our hope is that this insight leads to better decision making, more robust science, and a public more engaged in the fate of the marine space.”
James Frankham
New Zealand Geographic
By capturing thousands of extremely high-resolution photos of the seafloor, data collected this way is as reliable as long-standing methods and is well suited for tracking change through time. Turning these images into engaging 3D models enables them to be easily be repurposed by other researchers across the globe who are looking to answer different questions.
This improves our ability to understand ocean impacts and track changes as they occur. The creation of 3D data allows for new types of analysis to be performed, enhancing scientific power. This form of data provides a realistic perspective for scientists and non-scientists alike to experience the state of the reef as it was surveyed, without needing to physically go there.
“The use of photogrammetry within marine science in New Zealand is now well and truly established and becoming increasingly popular. The Seascape research has been at the forefront of this, and I have no doubt that without this project we would still be stuck at square one with our thinking.”
Arie Spyksma
University of Auckland
HEADING
SUBHEADING
of these birds are being lost each year
Threat is longline fishing
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of these birds are being lost each year
making cutting edge technology accessible
Since its launch, the tool is moving attitudes within the scientific community as a regular and popular tool for data collection in marine ecosystems. It has also brought a new lease of life to a much-loved citizen science programme – Marine Metre², giving everyday New Zealander’s easy access to cutting edge scientific tools, enabling them to contribute to scientific research in a meaningful way.
OUR IMPACT
With Live Ocean’s support., Dr Arie Spyksma has undertaken a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Auckland exploring the applications of photogrammetry for a better understanding of the seafloor. Arie’s work has included monitoring the recovery of reefs following the removal of sea urchins, modelling and understanding the extent of kina barrens in the Hauraki Gulf and beyond, as well as exploring the utility and application of Seascape photogrammetry across a variety of different seafloor habitats found around New Zealand.
Timeline
1994
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Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
2006
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Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
2019
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Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
2020
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Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
2024
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Dr Kath Walker and Dr Graeme Elliott’s first expedition to the Antipodes islands, these research trips continue for nearly 30 years (barring 2006) giving an incredibly robust data set.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Learn about the issue, talk to friends, politicians, restaurants and supermarkets.
- Start asking for albatross-safe tuna to show your concern.
- Be discerning. Support fishers using albatross-safe fishing methods.
PROJECT PARTNERs
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PROJECT PARTNERS
Dr Arie Spyksma
RESEARCH FELLOW, University of Auckland
Arie is a Research Fellow at the Leigh Marine Laboratory where he focuses on leveraging new and emerging technologies for improving ecosystem monitoring and scientific visualisation. Arie’s PhD research focused on trophic interactions within rocky reef systems and at present he is working on monitoring and understanding ecosystem threats associated with warming water temperatures across north-eastern New Zealand.
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