A novel upward-looking hydroacoustic method for improving pelagic fish surveys.

ABSTRACT: For ethical reasons and animal welfare, it is becoming increasingly more important to carry out ecological surveys with a non-invasive approach. Information about fish distribution and abundance in the upper water column is often fundamental. However, this information is extremely hard to obtain using classical hydroacoustic methods. We developed a rigid frame system for pushing upward looking transducers of the scientific echo sounder (38 and 120 kHz) in front of the research vessel. The efficiency of the new approach for monitoring juvenile fish at night was investigated by comparing the results with a quantitative fry trawl in the Římov Reservoir in the Czech Republic. The experimental setup enabled comparisons for the 0-3 m and 3-6 m depth layers, which are utilized by almost all juven

SUBMITTER: Baran R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5500586 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature