BENDICAM

«Bendicam» project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between several research teams and aims to develop an autonomous underwater camera model dedicated to the observation of deep benthic ecosystems. It is part of the scientific monitoring of the French fisheries and natural reserves of the Southern Ocean by the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN). This monitoring is based on the implementation of observation protocols carried out by scientific observers on board vessels during commercial fishing operations or fish stock assessment campaigns. The aim of the project is to develop a cost-effective technology solution to deploy a fleet of instruments sufficient to equip the entire French fleet operating in the Southern Ocean. Two teams of engineers collaborating on high-pressure mechanical systems and advanced electronic aspects ensure the technological development.