With a rapid increase in overfishing across the globe, it is becoming more important to collect accurate ecological data over broad spatial scales in a timely manner. This will facilitate broad scale synthesis over regional and/or global scales and provide information that can be translated into management outcomes in an attempt to reduce the impacts of overfishing. The use of video technology to monitor the marine environment, has facilitated the rapid collection of a broad range of ecological data over large spatial scales. In particular, methods such as stereo baited remote underwater video and diver operated video can provide information on the abundance, biomass, length and behaviour of marine organisms, simultaneous to habitat assessments reducing data collection time. Here I discuss the advantages and limitations of stereo video technology and give examples of broad scale projects such as Global FinPrint (the world’s first global assessment of sharks and rays) that have used video data to facilitate broad scale synthesis. Finally, I discuss the implications and potential advantages of using stereo video technology in the future.