ACEP scientists rely on many different items of scientific equipment and technology to carry out their research.

ACEP's work on the coelacanth ecosystem generally requires that we work in fairly deep water. SCUBA diving technology only really allows us to reach fairly shallow depths - less than 50m. Coelacanths are generally found deeper that 100m, so we have to use other methods to get there, such as submersibles and ROVs. To find our way around underwater, it's really useful to have a map. We generate these using techniques like multibeam swath bathymetry and sidescan sonar. Aside from documenting coelacanths using cameras, we have also tracked their movements with tags.

Sometimes, we like to see the bigger picture. For this, we often use remote sensing techniques like satellite imagery, but at the same time, itś vital to ground truth that data to make sure it's accurate. We also use techniques like seismic surveys and sediment sampling to find out more about the sea floor. Cores of sediment can be important in reconstructing past climate, and cores from corals can do the same too.

We like to stay in touch with the rest of the world when we're on cruses. Within South African waters, we use GPRS technology to update the website and send email.