Investigating the Application of Multibeam Sonar and Remotely Operated Vehicles in Fish Population Monitoring on Artificial Reefs

Author

Robert Figueroa-Downing, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

First Advisor

Dr. David Hicks

Second Advisor

Dr. Richard Kline

Third Advisor

Dr. Diego Figueroa

Abstract

Implementation of ROVs and multibeam imaging sonar in fisheries research has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of current monitoring practices. This study aimed to 1) compare ROV video and diver abundance estimates; 2) evaluate fish length measurement accuracy from sonar; 3) investigate key differentiating sonar characteristics. Results indicate: 1) Diver surveys captured greater diversity of species; survey methods were comparable with regards to conspicuous species (r = 0.089, p = 0.074); 2) Length measurements from multibeam imaging sonar had high predictive power (Rho = 0.998; p < 0.001) of actual standard lengths and; 3) variations between samples were largely due to swim bladder echo, relative position of the target fish, and schooling characteristics. We conclude that 1) ROVs are less apt at observing cryptic species; 2) The Blueview P900-90 sonar can accurately measure fish length; and 3) swim bladder morphology plays an important role in fish identification.

Comments

Copyright 2017 Robert Figueroa-Downing. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/investigating-application-multibeam-sonar/docview/1964913940/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Figueroa-Downing, Robert, "Investigating the Application of Multibeam Sonar and Remotely Operated Vehicles in Fish Population Monitoring on Artificial Reefs" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 193.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/193