Ultrasound technology has long been associated with medical diagnostics, offering a non-invasive and real-time imaging solution for healthcare professionals. However, its applications extend far beyond human medicine. In the realm of marine science, ultrasound is proving to be a powerful tool for studying underwater ecosystems, monitoring marine life health, and even assessing coral structures. At Portable Ultrasound Machines (PUM), we have taken this technology one step further, testing our Vinno D6, Siui Apogee 1000 Lite, and the revolutionary ScanX Air in aquatic environments. The results have been nothing short of astonishing.

Understanding Diagnostic Ultrasound in Marine Applications

Diagnostic ultrasound utilises high-frequency sound waves to produce echoes at the interface of tissues with different densities. These echoes are then transformed into detailed visual images, allowing researchers to examine soft and hard tissues in real time. Unlike conventional radiography, ultrasound does not require darkroom processing, protective measures, or extensive setup, making it an ideal tool for poolside and underwater applications.

In marine life research, ultrasound has been instrumental in:

• Assessing the internal health of marine mammals, including pregnancy detection and organ examinations.
• Studying the physiology of fish, turtles, and other aquatic creatures without causing them stress.
• Monitoring the structural integrity of coral reefs and identifying areas affected by disease or environmental stressors.

The Beauty of Underwater Imaging

PUM’s latest experiments with the ScanX Air wireless dual-headed scanner have demonstrated unprecedented image quality in an aquatic setting. Typically, wireless ultrasound probes suffer from reduced resolution, but the ScanX Air defied expectations with its sharp imaging of both soft and hard coral structures. The convex and linear transducer heads allowed us to capture different perspectives, revealing intricate details of coral formations that are often invisible to the naked eye.

One of our most exciting scans included a close-up ultrasound of a resident fish tank crab using the Vinno D6 with linear probe, offering a fascinating glimpse into the anatomy of a crustacean. This ability to obtain clear, high-resolution images of marine creatures opens new doors for conservationists and researchers looking to assess marine life health non-invasively.

Additionally, the combination of high pressure and salinity in underwater environments enhances ultrasound conduction, leading to exceptionally clear images. This means that conducting an ultrasound examination underwater—especially at great depths—has the potential to yield even more stunning results. We hope to test this theory ourselves in the future, pushing the boundaries of what ultrasound can reveal about deep-sea ecosystems.

Acoustic Monitoring and Ultrasound: A New Era for Marine Research

The connection between sound and marine life extends beyond ultrasound imaging. Researchers have long used passive acoustic monitoring to listen to the symphony of the underwater world. From the crackling of shrimp to the drumming of fish swim bladders, these sounds provide insight into biodiversity and ecosystem health.

A study by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) demonstrated that fish vocalisations at dawn and dusk could be used as indicators of reef health. This underscores the importance of acoustic monitoring for long-term ecological studies. Combining such techniques with advanced ultrasound imaging could revolutionise how we assess marine environments, offering a dual approach to studying both structural and biological factors in reef ecosystems.

Ultrasound technology is no longer confined to hospitals and veterinary clinics. Its potential in marine science is vast, providing researchers with a real-time, non-invasive method for studying aquatic life.

At PUM, our tests with the Vinno D6, Apogee 1000 Lite, and particularly the ScanX Air have showcased the incredible possibilities of ultrasound imaging in marine research. From stunning coral scans to the unexpected capture of a crab’s anatomy, our findings highlight the remarkable image quality and versatility of our ultrasound devices.