VideoRay
Underwater Robot Aboard Ocean Research Sailboat Touring Monterey
Bay
Science Under Sail Brings 8-Pound
Remotely Operated Vehicle Onboard its Maiden Voyage to Show Public
a Day In the Life of a Marine Biologist
View
video footage gathered at the Monterey Bay Aquarium using a VideoRay.
Footage courtesy of Ed Seidel
Exton, PA, August 12, 2004 – VideoRay today
announced that the VideoRay underwater robot is aboard the SRV
Derek M Baylis,
a 65-foot sailboat designed for ocean research that is offering
tours of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, California, to
introduce the public to the bay’s history, sea life, and
research efforts. Amy West, one of three crewmembers, operates
the 8-pound VideoRay, which captures underwater video through its
camera eye and lets passengers view ocean-bottom sea life from
the ship’s deck. The sanctuary is one of the largest and
richest marine protected areas in the United States.
Running up to six days a week from mid-June until October, the
three-hour tours are part of the “Science Under Sail” program
offered in conjunction with the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The VideoRay
sends back vivid color images of sea life that are displayed on
two large, flat screen monitors in the pilot house.
Passengers work alongside marine biologists on projects such as
observing threatened sea otters and recording otters’ identifying
tags and locations; sampling the ocean to measure basic biological
and chemical indicators of ocean health; and collecting plankton
for the aquarium’s exhibits.
“The VideoRay is in line with our less invasive and more
interactive approach to marine science,” says West, who reports
getting close-up views of sea life that wouldn’t be possible
through diving. “When we see something interesting with the
VideoRay, we don’t have to pull it out of the ocean. The
VideoRay allows observation without invasion.”
However, West says the VideoRay has been pulling trash out of
the bay, with the assistance of VideoRay’s manipulator arm – a
handy alternative to using a net.
“The VideoRay is the most ‘gee-whiz’ thing on
the boat, besides the boat itself,” says West, who has worked
with larger manned ROVs and AUVs on other ocean missions. “The
VideoRay was the best option because it doesn’t require any
mobilization. Just hang it over the side, and it’s ready
to go. Passengers and scientists alike keep asking, ‘How
can I get a VideoRay? I want one!’”
Science Under Sail departs from Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey.
The cost of a tour is $59 per child (ages 10-17)/$69 per adult
general public and $49 per child (ages 10-17)/$59 per adult aquarium
members. Learn more about Science Under Sail at http://www.mbayaq.org/vi/vi_events/vi_events_sailing.asp
For pictures and videos online, visit http://www.videoray.com/Press_Room/press_release.htm
Contact VideoRay LLC • 400 Eagleview Blvd. • Exton,
PA 19341 USA • Phone: (610) 458-3000 • FAX: (610) 458-3010 • www.videoray.com
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