Deploying action cameras to observe fish in shallow, ice-covered streams

Abstract

Winter is a stressful season for freshwater, stream-dwelling fish because ice decreases habitat area and creates habitat fragmentation, and cooler water temperatures lower fish metabolism. Small streams regularly become completely ice-covered, and common techniques used to study fish developed for open-water conditions are not easily modified. These winter conditions make it difficult to accurately observe fish behaviour in their natural habitat. This study evaluated remote underwater video cameras used to observe minnow behaviour in overwinter conditions. Waterproof action cameras (e.g. GoPros™ and Sony™ action cameras) were lowered into the water column from the channel ice and set to record for 30-minute intervals, and with a modified antenna, Bluetooth™ connected cameras facilitated real-time observations to check and ensure camera position and function. Advances in video camera technology have allowed high quality video to be captured with inexpensive equipment (∼$500 CDN for camera, case, memory card and back-up batteries), such as small, portable action cameras that are now readily available. This technique was effective at observing fish behaviour, communities and habitat preference during the winter in small, ice-covered streams, which is important for water resource and fisheries management, conservation biology and stream restoration.

Keywords

• Overwinter habitat
• underwater video
• minnows
• remote monitoring
• freshwater streams