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Publication
Deep dive into noninvasive biometrics: A pilot journey using stereo‐video in a public aquarium
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Authors
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Accurate collection of biometric data is important for understanding the biology and conservation of marine organisms,
including elasmobranch and teleost fish, both in nature and controlled environments where monitoring marine specimens'
health is mandatory. Traditional methods involving specimen capture and handling are invasive, stressful, and disruptive. Some
techniques like underwater visual census or laser photogrammetry have been used for noninvasive data collection, but they
have limitations and biases. The application of stereo‐video photogrammetry through the use of diver‐operated stereo‐video
systems (stereo‐DOV) is a noninvasive method that overcomes these challenges, providing highly accurate measurements. It has
become popular for species monitoring, studying anthropogenic impacts, and assessing length distributions. However, this
technique is still uncommon and barely reported in aquarium settings. This study describes an innovative pilot study targeting
multiple species carried out in a Public Aquarium, using a low‐cost house‐made device. The results revealed that measuring
more than 100 individuals in approximately 1 day's work is possible. Total and fork lengths were estimated using specific
software for 31 teleost and 16 elasmobranch species and compared with real measurements for the available species. Despite
technical limitations that must be reviewed for application in future studies that resulted in high root mean square (RMS)
values (> 20 mm), differences between methodological approaches revealed a minimal discrepancy (1.37%–5% in large sharks
and rays and 1.8%–5.5% in teleost fish). This technique has time and cost requirements, but might represent a major advance in
husbandry and in the contribution to conservation that ex situ studies can provide.
Description
Keywords
Controlled environment Fish zoometry Length Monitoring Nondisruptive technique Stereo‐DOV
Citation
Ferreira, A., Santos, S., Baylina, N., & Silva, G. (2024). Deep dive into noinvasive biometrics: A pilot journey using stereo-video in a public Aaquarium. Zoo Biology. https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21875
Publisher
Wiley-Liss Inc.