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Video by John Budnik

Corps employee develops new underwater camera system

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Alaska District

March 21, 2019 | 2:10

A new underwater camera system is helping the USACE - Alaska District conducts deep-water video surveys of proposed dredged material disposal areas. Matt Ferguson, a biologist in the Civil Works Branch, personally constructed the mounting system from galvanized and stainless steel and equipped a camera and light capable of operating at a depth of about 5,000 feet under the sea.

The tool was created specifically for the Petersburg South Harbor improvement dredging project and has been deployed successfully with a shipboard deck crane during multiple seasonal trips through the waters of Frederick Sound and Thomas Bay in Southeast Alaska.

Analysis of the video footage showing epibenthic organisms, along with crab and shrimp pot sampling, has aided in the environmental assessment of potential disposal sites. Potential disposal areas present limitations for traditionally used cameras because of deep depths, cold temperatures effects on battery life, limited lighting and high cost.

Furthermore, Ferguson delivered a presentation about his development of the camera system during the USACE Technical Innovation Forum in February 2019. The lightweight, easily transportable and cost-cutting implementation of this camera system has shown promise for studying prospective dredging projects throughout Alaska.