CATAIN (CAmera To Analyze INvertebrates) is a camera system designed to monitor and study biofouling. The system consists of a high-resolution machine-vision camera, macro lens, computer hardware, and batteries inside a housing. The housing’s acrylic end-cap serves as a fouling panel, and organisms are photographed through the end-cap from the underside. A ring of LED lights illuminates the imaging surface from the side to reduce glare. CATAIN can be programmed to record images with varying exposure times and time intervals, depending on the application. CATAIN is well suited for scientific studies on settlement and post-settlement mortality in remote environments. It also serves as a powerful tool for monitoring biofouling on aquaculture and offshore wind installations.
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