Fisheries habitat survey with a small low cost AUV

Summary form only given. The AUV Xanthos was deployed in spring 2003 to demonstrate how the capabilities of autonomous underwater vehicles may be applied to the preservation and study of fisheries resources. Xanthos carries a low-light camera, LED illumination, and side scan sonar. The vehicle´s small size and robustness permit the use of a vessel of opportunity (a fishing trawler) to examine fisheries habitat. Surveys were conducted in protected zones and heavily fished areas, and the results compared.