Remote photography/video is increasingly being used in survey and monitoring work as a means of investigating the benthic environment. Thus far QA work has been carried out on the methods to produce protocols for undertaking the surveys themselves and ensuring the best results from use of video and stills. However, less work has gone into the QA of the interpretation of the images produced. While some ad hoc QA has taken place there are as yet no recognised standards for this process. The focus of this work is to be on the assessment of footage itself rather than in fieldwork methodologies. The hope is that we will be able to have QA of video in the same way that we currently undertake QA of traditional biological samples.

Envision Mapping Ltd. have been commissioned to develop a ‘ring test’ to assess the quality of video footage analysis. Envision have prepared this preliminary test and are planning to produce two more tests during the development of the ring test.

Each test will aim to assess various aspects of data collection from video footage and will vary as a result of feedback from test candidates and the NMBAQC committee as well as from the results obtained. Also several sources and types of video footage will be used throughout the three tests in an attempt to assess how equipment variations and supplemental data affects the results of video analysis.

Following the series of three tests a workshop is planned to discuss and develop the scheme and invitations will be circulated closer to the date.
We would like to stress that this test is under development and feedback is greatly appreciated as this will make for a more robust final test.