Voyis has completed the IMAGE2 project (Image Modelling & Analysis for Governance and Education), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of subsea monitoring technology for marine conservation.
The initiative was funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) through the Oceans Management Contribution Program and builds on the original IMAGE project, where Voyis demonstrated the use of high-resolution underwater optical sensors on small remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to monitor Sponge Reef Marine Protected Areas off the coast of British Columbia.
IMAGE2 focused on expanding this capability by developing a fully integrated subsea survey solution that is built in Canada, cost-effective, portable, and scientifically robust. The project was conducted in partnership with MarineNav Ltd. and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University. The outcome was a compact ROV-based system that integrates MarineNav’s Oceanus ROV with the Voyis Discovery Stereo Camera.
Enhancing Marine Protected Area Monitoring
The project supports Canada’s national objectives for ocean conservation and sustainable resource management. By providing a more accessible and scalable method for surveying sensitive habitats, IMAGE2 contributes to improved governance of marine environments through enhanced scientific data and stakeholder engagement.
The developed solution was validated through a 3D survey of the Coral Garden within the Funk Island Marine Refuge off Newfoundland. This ecologically significant site contains cold-water coral formations that require careful, non-intrusive observation. Using the Discovery Stereo Camera, Voyis collected optical data that will be processed into complete, georeferenced 3D reconstructions of the area.
Applying 3D Imaging to Ecosystem Stewardship
The Voyis optical imaging system provides high-resolution video and still images while generating true-scale 3D models of the seafloor environment. These volumetric datasets allow researchers and conservation authorities to assess coral distribution, reef health, and habitat structure with a high level of accuracy.
The 3D reconstructions provide an important baseline for long-term monitoring, enabling comparisons of coral formations over time to measure environmental change and human impact. This information can guide protection measures for vulnerable marine ecosystems.
In line with the project’s commitment to transparency and accessibility, all collected data, including 3D models and ecological insights, will be made publicly available. This open approach supports collaboration among scientific institutions, policymakers, and coastal communities.
Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, commented, “Here in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the country, we continue to learn more about our vast and diverse oceans and all they sustain. The IMAGE2 Project led by Voyis is an example of how Canadian-made technology and local expertise can help us better understand sensitive ocean habitats and further our efforts in marine conservation and the sustainable management of resources.”
Built-in-Canada Innovation and Collaboration
The IMAGE2 platform establishes a new model for marine science fieldwork: affordable, portable, and designed for real-world operating conditions. MarineNav’s compact Oceanus ROV provided the base for integrating Voyis’ specialized optical sensor, resulting in a streamlined system suitable for shallow and complex underwater environments.
The Marine Institute was central to the execution of the field survey and will also host a workshop to share project results. This educational initiative is designed to equip students, researchers, and conservation professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to apply advanced imaging technologies. The workshop, to be held at The Launch, the Marine Institute’s ocean innovation hub in Holyrood, will feature live demonstrations, breakout sessions, and discussions on the future of subsea monitoring.
Looking Ahead
Through the combination of innovation, science, and outreach, IMAGE2 demonstrates the impact of collaboration between Canadian ocean technology companies and academic institutions in advancing sustainable marine practices. The portable 3D imaging system developed in this project will support wider participation in marine monitoring and provide new opportunities for data-driven conservation.
Voyis and its partners will continue to share updates, datasets, and research findings from the IMAGE2 project, contributing to a broader understanding of marine ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity in Canadian waters and beyond.
