Supporting research at Bangor Marina

Here at boatfolk we’re keen to support research that increases the understanding of the biodiversity that exists within our marinas. Most recently, Bangor Marina welcomed students from Queen’s University Belfast to support a range of honours projects focusing on biodiversity surveying methods.

As part of the project students have access to Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) and Auto-Release Baited Underwater Video (ABUV) thanks to their collaboration with FjordStrong.

The range of projects included: The range of projects included: 

• Evaluating the influence of red and white lights on biodiversity census using BRUVs, carried out by student Jonathan McDowell
• The use of BRUV and ABUV to determine if there was a difference in the level of biodiversity recorded using each survey tool studied by Ben McKibben
• The use of BRUVs to investigate whether there is a difference between the level of biodiversity recorded at day and night by student Oisín Hill

Notable finds on the footage recorded during the students honours projects were an inquisitive grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) who was very interested in our camera system and a large conger eel (Conger conger).

For more information about the project check out the video below: