A Semiautomated Approach to Estimating Fish Size, Abundance, and Behavior from Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar (DIDSON) Data

Abstract We present a semiautomated analytical approach incorporating both image and acoustic processing techniques to apply to dual-frequency identification sonar (DIDSON) data. Our objectives were (1) to develop a standardized analysis pathway in order to reduce the effort associated with counting, measuring, and tracking fish targets; and (2) to empirically obtain estimates of basic target information (e.g., size, abundance, speed, and direction of travel). Analyses were conducted on DIDSON data collected at three different locations (the Kenai River, Alaska; Mobile River, Alabama; and Port Fourchon, Louisiana) with different equipment and deployment configurations. We developed an efficient postprocessing approach that can be applied to a variety of data sets, independent of user and deployment method. For two of the three data sets analyzed, the estimates of fish abundance derived from DIDSON analyses were not significantly different from the manual counts of DIDSON files. The analyses produced estim...

[1]  G. De’ath,et al.  Comparison of baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) and prawn (shrimp) trawls for assessments of fish biodiversity in inter-reefal areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park , 2004 .

[2]  Matthew P. Wilson,et al.  Hydroacoustics as a tool for assessing fish biomass and size distribution associated with discrete shallow water estuarine habitats in Louisiana , 2007 .

[3]  R. Babcock,et al.  A baited underwater video system for the determination of relative density of carnivorous reef fish , 2000 .

[4]  Lars G. Rudstam,et al.  Can stationary bottom split-beam hydroacoustics be used to measure fish swimming speed in situ? , 2000 .

[5]  John K. Horne,et al.  The complexity of narrowband echo envelopes as a function of fish side-aspect angle , 2007 .

[6]  W. Ricker.  Computation and interpretation of biological statistics of fish populations , 1977 .

[7]  Paul D. Winger,et al.  Tilt angle and target strength: target tracking of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) during trawling , 2003 .

[8]  J. Holmes,et al.  Accuracy and precision of fish-count data from a “dual-frequency identification sonar” (DIDSON) imaging system , 2006 .

[9]  A. Stoner.  Effects of environmental variables on fish feeding ecology: implications for the performance of baited fishing gear and stock assessment , 2004 .

[10]  Kevin M. Boswell,et al.  A lightweight transducer platform for use in stationary shallow water horizontal-aspect acoustic surveys , 2007 .

[11]  Robert P. Mueller,et al.  Video and acoustic camera techniques for studying fish under ice: a review and comparison , 2006, Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries.

[12]  F. Gerlotto,et al.  Experiences with multibeam sonar in shallow tropical waters , 1998 .

[13]  Thomas J. Carlson,et al.  A fisheries application of a dual-frequency identification sonar acoustic camera , 2003 .

[14]  E. John Simmonds,et al.  Fisheries Acoustics: Theory and Practice , 2005 .

[15]  J. Jech,et al.  A multifrequency method to classify and evaluate fisheries acoustics data , 2006 .

[16]  D. W. Rondorf,et al.  Imaging Fall Chinook Salmon Redds in the Columbia River with a Dual-Frequency Identification Sonar , 2004 .