Underwater Hyperspectral Imaging (UHI): A Review of Systems and Applications for Proximal Seafloor Ecosystem Studies

Marine ecosystem monitoring requires observations of its attributes at different spatial and temporal scales that traditional sampling methods (e.g., RGB imaging, sediment cores) struggle to efficiently provide. Proximal optical sensing can fill this observational gap by providing of, tracking changes in, the functional features marine ecosystems non-invasively. Underwater hyperspectral imaging (UHI) employed in proximity seafloor has shown a further potential monitor pigmentation benthic sympagic phototrophic organisms small (mm–cm) for identification minerals taxa through their finely resolved spectral signatures. Despite increasing number studies applying UHI, review applications, capabilities, challenges research is overdue. In review, we first detail how limited band availability inherent standard underwater cameras led data analysis “bottleneck” research, part due widespread implementation platforms remotely operated vehicles, time-lapse stations, towed cameras) acquire large image datasets. We discuss technology brings unique opportunities address known limitations surveying environments. The concludes comparing harness capacities types required validate observations, current accurate replicable UHI research.