Greg was inspired to develop Crittercam during a close encounter with a shark in 1986. “A large remora was attached to the shark’s belly,” he recalls. “I realized that by substituting a video camcorder for the suckerfish, we could record images from the shark’s perspective.”
Working with Greg are Dr. Randy Davis of Texas A&M and Birgit Buhleier, an associate producer for National Geographic Television, who is in an accompanying boat with an observer from the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC). Monitoring by the DOC is required under the Crittercam permit. |
From this idea evolved a video camcorder and data-logging system, both controlled by a miniature computer. The system is in a small, streamlined housing made of titanium. When attached to a creature, the suction cup is firmly affixed by evacuating remaining air through a one-way valve. A fail-safe mechanism on the suction cup releases it and the camera after a specified time. A radio-tracking device leads searchers to the floating Crittercam.© 1997 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.