Volume 3 Issue 2 | 2026 | View PDF
Paper Id:IJMSM-V3I2P115
doi: 10.71141/30485037/V3I2P115

Digital Preservation of Submerged Biological Specimens Using Underwater Photogrammetry: Insights from Sipadan Turtle Tomb, Sabah, Malaysia

Alexandre Maxime Cheminade, Azman Abdul Rahim

Citation:
Alexandre Maxime Cheminade, Azman Abdul Rahim, "Digital Preservation of Submerged Biological Specimens Using Underwater Photogrammetry: Insights from Sipadan Turtle Tomb, Sabah, Malaysia" International Journal of Multidisciplinary on Science and Management, Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 127-134, 2026.

Abstract:
Underwater caves are among the least accessible marine habitats, often containing delicate biological specimens. Traditional sampling in these environments is logistically difficult and risks damaging the site. This study demonstrates the use of underwater photogrammetry as a non-invasive method for documenting submerged specimens within the Sipadan Turtle Tomb in Malaysia. Using a diver-operated camera system, high-resolution datasets were captured to generate 3D models of a sea turtle carcass. These reconstructions successfully preserved the spatial context, morphological details, and precise positioning of skeletal elements within the cave. Despite challenges like low light, limited visibility, and constrained maneuverability, the results provided a vivid, true-to-life model suitable for qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis. This methodology offers a practical, reproducible workflow for in situ digital documentation that eliminates the need for specimen removal and minimizes physical disturbance to sensitive ecosystems. The resulting 3D datasets serve as a baseline for long-term monitoring, allowing researchers to assess site stability, taphonomic processes, and human impact over time. Beyond research, digital archiving enhances accessibility for education, tourism, and conservation planning without increasing physical pressure on the environment. Ultimately, this study confirms underwater photogrammetry as an essential tool for the digital preservation and management of biological specimens in vulnerable marine cave systems.

Keywords: Conservation, Photogrammetry, Turtle, Sipadan, Sabah, Malaysia.

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