Construction of a Junction Box for Use with an Inexpensive, Commercially Available Underwater Video Camera Suitable for Aquatic Research

Abstract

Underwater video camera apparatus is an important fisheries research tool. Such cameras, developed and marketed for recreational anglers, provide an opportunity for researchers to easily obtain cost-effective and waterproof video apparatus for fisheries research. We detail a series of modifications to an inexpensive, commercially available underwater video camera (about US$125) that provide flexibility for deploying the equipment in the laboratory or in the field. Specifically, we describe the design of a junction box between the camera cable and the power supply and video feed that can be constructed for about $25. We also describe different deployment configurations and detail several examples of the data we have been able to collect using this technology.