Canada’s Oceans Now: Pacific Ecosystems, 2021 - Snapshot of ocean science technology in Canada's Pacific

An infographic showing the different ocean science technologies used in Canada's Pacific. Boxes with photos of each technology and a description surround a simplified graphic showing icons of each one in the ocean.

Snapshot of ocean science technology in Canada's Pacific

• Saildrones
  • Saildrones are autonomous vessels powered by the sun and wind. They can follow a programmed route or be controlled by satellite as they record ocean, atmosphere, and biological conditions.
• Gliders
  • Ocean gliders float under the sea's surface, steered independently or by remote control. They measure ocean conditions and phytoplankton and can travel hundreds of kilometres.
• Hydrophones
  • Hydrophones are acoustic devices that detect sound underwater. They can be anchored to the seafloor and monitor sounds from humans, marine animals, fish, and deep sea vents.
• ROVs
  • Remote operated vehicles (ROVs) allow scientists to explore underwater habitats – even at extreme depths – using controls at the surface to discover new deep-sea species, collect samples, and more.
• eDNA
  • Environmental DNA (eDNA) is collected from ocean water, allowing scientists to analyze genetic material released from living and dead organisms.
• Drop camera
  • Drop cameras are lowered from the side of a ship to different depths. They allow scientists to identify and observe animals in the water column and on the seafloor.
• Stereo camera
  • Stereo cameras are used to identify species and measure their size and orientation. They can be dropped over the side of a vessel, moored to the bottom, or attached to other research instruments.