We are extending our support of the groundbreaking SERPENT project by sponsoring alongside BP, a flagship underwater image and video competition. The competition is seeking entries in five categories with the aim of showcasing the best biological and technical images taken in the deep sea.
To increase knowledge
The SERPENT (Scientific and Environmental ROV Partnership using Existing iNdustrial Technology) project was founded by Dr. Ian Hudson from the DeepSeas Group in the George Decon Division of the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS) and oil and gas partners. The project unites research establishments and oil and technology companies in a bid to increase our knowledge of the sea, by utilising the spare time of ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles).
The best of the deep
“With so little known about the deep ocean and so many ROVs, rigs and vessels engaged in oil and gas work worldwide the potential for getting data back to science from industry is huge,” comments Dr. Ian Hudson. “We receive a huge amount of data from the various ongoing SERPENT missions and already have a vast library of photographic and hydroacoustic imagery. The competition will find the best of images to show the world the wonders of the deep.”
Competition categories
The image competition is open to industry, scientists, support staff and professional photographers. The five categories consist of:
- Underwater Images (>200m depth)
- Technical Underwater Images (>200m depth)
- Microscopic / specimen images of deep-sea species or features
- Fieldwork /experimental set-up / vessels & vehicles / equipment
- Underwater video footage.
Judging criteria
Judging criteria includes visual impact, importance to science, the novelty, the rarity of the subject, but most of all the way they capture the essence of the deep ocean and how we explore it today.
An admirable scientific endeavour
“The SERPENT project is an admirable scientific endeavour, one which we are very proud to be associated with,” says Bill Stuart from Kongsberg Maritime's underwater camera division. “We provide use of our equipment and support direct to the SERPENT team and through our customers giving ROV time on the missions, and we are more than happy to extend our partnership by sponsoring this competition. Of course, we're hoping that at least one of the winning images comes from Kongsberg equipment!”
Competition results and prizes
The competition results will be announced at the 11th International Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, to be held at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton on 9 – 14th July 2006. Each category will have 3 main cash prizes: 1st = £500, 2nd =£300, 3rd = £200. For further info on the SERPENT project and the image competition visit www.serpentproject.com.