Studying the deep sea often requires large, expensive equipment and dedicated research vessels—but GSO Ph.D. student Christine de Silva is working to change that. Enter the BRUV: a baited remote underwater video system designed to be smaller, more affordable, and untethered. This innovative tool is making deep-sea shark research more accessible by allowing scientists to collect footage without the need for complex infrastructure. Learn more about the technology being developed at GSO in the Marecotec research group and meet the team working to transform deep-sea exploration! 🌊🦈
This project is a true collaboration across Rhode Island institutions:
- Christine and her lab, Davies MarEcoTec, represent University of Rhode Island
- Tim Melendez, the project’s engineer, and a MarEcoTech member is a Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) student who joined URI through the OECI Bridge to Ocean Exploration program
- Seton Smith, a Salve Regina University undergrad, interned through the SURF program & continues to contribute