The Relationship Between Acoustic Target Strength and Body Length for Atlantic Sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus)
Abstract
Results of the present study emphasize the necessity of determining species specific acoustic target strength (TS)-length relationships for sturgeon before fisheries hydroacoustics studies of sturgeon (or many other species) can be pursued. Using conventional log (base 10) equation structure, TS-TL equations were derived with acceptable goodness of fit for data describing Atlantic sturgeon in two distinct size categories. However, when the data for all tested sturgeon were combined to produce a single TS-TL, the collective data fit rather poorly. Using a natural log transformation of the data greatly improved the goodness of fit (R2 = 0.964 @200kHz; R2 = 0.933 @420kHz). However natural log-based TS-length equations of the form TS (dB) = m * Ln(mm) +b have not previously been reported in the literature. Additional measurements obtained under controlled laboratory conditions may be required to fully elucidate sturgeon TS-TL relationships. It is encouraging that echo returns from sturgeon appear to have unique attributes that may with further investigation lead to improved acoustic taxonomic discrimination. Unique aspects of sturgeon morphology may provide new insights into interpretation of echo returns. Additional testing of Atlantic sturgeon representing a wider size range is planned to supplement the studies to date. Current results lay a foundation for development of a practical, reliable capability for surveying waterways suspected of being occupied by sturgeon or other species of interest.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA530602
Entities
People
- Albert Spell
- Charles Dickerson
- Charles Frederickson
- Christopher Hager
- Douglas Clarke
- Gregory Garmin
- Kevin Reine
- Matthew Balazik
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center