Unveiling V2: A Towable 360 Camera for Sharks
We're excited to share with you our latest groundbreaking project, "A Towable 360 Camera for Sharks," a collaboration with our partners at Beneath the Waves Foundation. This innovative technology allows us to follow and track sharks' behavioral patterns at depths never before possible. In this blog, we'll take you through our journey, from the initial concept to our first expedition, and the exciting developments leading to the second version of our unique camera system.
The Birth of the Towable 360 Camera:
The idea behind this project was to develop a 360 camera that could be safely and easily tagged onto sharks, offering a third-person view of these magnificent creatures as they swim through the ocean. This one-of-a-kind perspective provides unprecedented insights into their lives and helps us better understand and protect these essential apex predators.
Our First Expedition:
In May 2022, the Pacific Treasure team headed to the Cayman Islands to join an expedition and V1 of the camera. During this mission, we successfully tagged tiger sharks and deployed our towable 360 camera on a Caribbean reef shark for 12 hours. Upon recovery, we were able to gather valuable data that informed the design improvements for Version 2 (V2) of the camera.
A Look at V1 and V2 Cameras:
The V1 camera system (above) was mostly assembled using off-the-shelf products. While it served its purpose in providing a proof of concept, there were areas where we knew we could make significant improvements.
For V2, our team took the lessons learned from V1 and implemented custom-made parts, including 3D printed and custom-machined components. These enhancements have led to a more efficient and durable camera system with improved battery life, essential for extended deployments in the field.
Preparing for Our Second Expedition:
With the V2 camera system ready to go, we are excited to embark on our second expedition to further study shark behaviors. This time, we are confident that the improved camera system will provide even more fascinating insights into the lives of these incredible creatures.
Conclusion:
The Towable 360 Camera for Sharks project is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in conservation. By combining the expertise of the Pacific Treasure Foundation and Beneath the Waves Foundation, we are unlocking new perspectives on shark behavior, leading to better understanding and conservation efforts. Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming expedition and the amazing discoveries we'll make with the V2 camera system.