A disclosed seismic survey system includes one or more streamer(s) each having multiple spaced apart sensor units, and a data recording and control system. Each sensor unit receives a command from the data recording and control system, and operates in an enabled state or a disabled state dependent upon the command. The data recording and control system collects and stores data from enabled sensor units. The sensor units produce data when in the enabled state, and dissipate significantly less electrical power in the disabled state. A described sensor unit includes one or more sensor(s), an analog-to-digital converter, and a control unit that enables or disables the analog-to-digital converter dependent upon the command. A disclosed method for acquiring seismic survey data includes issuing an enable or disable command to each of multiple spaced apart sensor units, and receiving and storing data from those sensor units that are enabled.