Underwater observatory lander for the seafloor ecosystem monitoring using a video system

We were involved in development of a small lander for low-price and usability. The free fall type hadal zone research lander called “Edokko No.1” consists of 3 glass spheres and wireless connectable rubber bridge, and an observation equipment and levitation transponder device can be installed in the glass sphere. A continuous monitoring operation of periodic variations of surrounding ecosystem at deep-seabed is essential for acquiring baseline data and knowledge towards proposal of an appropriate methodology for underwater environmental impact assessment. In the demonstration test in 2013, the video of the hadal zone at the depth of 7800m has been acquired. By the bate trap survey, to observe the amphipods and a hadal fish (Pseudoliparis amblystomopsis). We will demonstrate the transition of deep-sea ecosystem. Time-lapse observation of the seabed is useful to an understanding of the seabed environment.