RESEARCH EXPERTISE

Hydro-acoustics

Using acoustic surveys to investigate fish distribution, abundance, and aquatic productivity

MEASURING AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

Seeing beneath the surface with sound

Hydro-acoustic surveys use sound to investigate fish distribution and relative abundance in lakes and other aquatic environments. We deploy acoustic instruments from boats and interpret reflected signals to characterize patterns that are difficult to observe from conventional sampling alone. Combined with field surveys and ecological measurements, these methods can contribute to assessments of fisheries productivity and the effectiveness of habitat enhancement and offsetting.

STEP 01

Survey

Collect acoustic observations from boats using hydro-acoustic instruments and planned survey routes.

STEP 02

Process

Review acoustic returns and distinguish potential fish targets from background signals.

STEP 03

Assess

Use acoustic patterns alongside other field evidence to examine fish distribution and fisheries productivity.

ON-WATER SURVEYS

Our expertise in practice