CCS - MV Bluefin 2017 V01 Towed Video

Project Overview: A range of solutions will be required to reach globally agreed emissions reductions targets for carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is part of the suite of technologies that will contribute to lowering atmospheric emissions of CO2 from Australia's energy system. There are a wide variety of technologies at various stages of technical and commercial readiness, with more development underway for cost effective CO2 capture and storage. Our research will provide new knowledge to inform cost-efficient measurement, monitoring and verification (MMV) of the environment of CCS projects in coastal waters. --o-- [NOTE: this record is only for the video and image data] Nineteen 750 m towed video transects were completed. Site locations were chosen to coincide with dive locations to be surveyed on the second voyage in April 2018. To ensure video transects intersected seabed features of interest (dunes), transects were oriented parallel to the shore line (NE to SE), perpendicular to the dunes. Data feeds included HD video, still images of the seafloor (5s intervals) and water quality information from an ecotriplet, CTD and LiCor instrument. Habitat characteristics were characterised using the video and “Tappity” underway classification system. The system performed well with no issues except an occasional intermittent GPS feed and slight over exposure in the still images. Water visibility was variable and generally more turbid inshore where there were high densities of gelatinous matter in the water column near the seabad (<5 m visibility). Although this level of visibility reduced the ability to see the seafloor in the video substantially, the broad level habitat classifications provided by the Tappitty system are considered reliable. Habitat characteristics were largely as expected with 15 of the 19 sites dominated by course to medium sand, sparse seagrass and drifting macroalgae. The four remaining sites were dominated by low relief reef with Ecklonia, low-foliose macoalgae, sponges and gorgonians. Sand and sparse seagrass habitats tended to be located offshore and the low relief reef sites tended to be located inshore and toward the northern boundary of the survey area i.e. sites 2,17,13,14. No issues were encountered with the water quality logging equipment or data collection.