Video analysis of fish behaviour in the laboratory and field

我们请求为数字视频设备提供资金，由我们的研究小组共享。布朗实验室专注于化学感觉线索在评估和避免各种猎物鱼类（包括河流栖息的鲑鱼）的捕食威胁中所起的作用，以及人为污染物对这些至关重要的线索检测的影响。格兰特博士的研究项目主要集中在各种鱼类中相对使用干扰与剥削竞争的生态原因，以及这种竞争相互作用在自然条件下调节种群规模方面所起的作用。两个研究小组都严重依赖录像来收集详细的行为数据。目前，我们仅限于一个SVHS和一个数字摄像机。我们的设备要求包括数码摄像机，迷你dvd -to- dvd刻录机和用于视频分析的计算机。录音平台将允许我们将实验室和实地研究的原始视频片段存档为稳定的DVD格式，从而消除由于磁带丢失或损坏而导致数据丢失的风险。新增的两台苹果iMac电脑将消除使用视频摄像头播放视频的需要，使它们可以用于数据收集，并减少整体磨损。我们选择这些项目作为最低成本的平台，以满足我们当前和未来的需求。所要求的视频分析系统将大大提高我们的研究小组在实验室和实地实验中收集和分析行为数据的能力。此外，公共视频平台的可用性将促进我们实验室之间的合作项目。

We are requesting funds for digital video equipment, to be shared between our research groups.  The Brown laboratory focuses on the role chemosensory cues play in the assessment and avoidance of predation threats by a variety of prey fishes, including stream dwelling salmonids, and the effects of anthropogenic pollutants on the detection of these critically important cues. Dr. Grant's research program focuses on the ecological causes of the relative use of interference versus exploitative competition in a variety of fish species, and the role such competitive interactions play in the regulation of population size under natural conditions.  Both research groups rely heavily on the use of video recordings to collect detailed behavioural data.  Currently, we are limited to a single SVHS and a single digital video camera. Our equipment request consists of digital video cameras, mini DV-to-DVD recording decks and computers for video analysis.  The recording decks will allow us to archive raw video footage from lab and field studies into a stable DVD format, thus eliminating the risk of data loss due to tape loss or damage.  The addition of two Apple iMac computers will eliminate the need to use video cameras for video playback, making them available for data collection and reducing overall wear. We have selected these items as the lowest cost platform that addresses our current and future needs. The requested video analysis system will represent a significant enhancement in the ability of our research groups to collect and analyze behavioural data in both laboratory and field experiments. In addition, the availability of a common video platform will facilitate collaborative projects between our laboratories.