Hydroacoustic estimates of fish abundance

Technical Report · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:5305283

Wilson, W K

Hydroacoustics, as defined in the context of this report, is the use of a scientific sonar system to determine fish densities with respect to numbers and biomass. These two parameters provide a method of monitoring reservoir fish populations and detecting gross changes in the ecosystem. With respect to southeastern reservoirs, hydroacoustic surveys represent a new method of sampling open water areas and the best technology available. The advantages of this technology are large amounts of data can be collected in a relatively short period of time allowing improved statistical interpretation and data comparison, the pelagic (open water) zone can be sampled efficiently regardless of depth, and sampling is nondestructive and noninvasive with neither injury to the fish nor alteration of the environment. Hydroacoustics cannot provide species identification and related information on species composition or length/weight relationships. Also, sampling is limited to a minimum depth of ten feet which precludes the use of this equipment for sampling shallow shoreline areas. The objective of this study is to use hydroacoustic techniques to estimate fish standing stocks (i.e., numbers and biomass) in several areas of selected Tennessee Valley Reservoirs as part of a base level monitoring program to assess long-term changes in reservoir water quality.

• Research Organization: Tennessee Valley Authority, Chattanooga, TN (United States). Aquatic Biology Dept.
• Sponsoring Organization: TVA; Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville, TN (United States)
• OSTI ID: 5305283
• Report Number(s): TVA/WR/AB-91/3; ON: DE92015726
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130600* -- Hydro Energy-- Environmental Aspects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540350 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (1990-)
550100 -- Behavioral Biology
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
FISHES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MONITORING
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
POPULATIONS
RANGE FINDERS
SONAR
SURFACE WATERS
TENNESSEE VALLEY AUTHORITY
US ORGANIZATIONS
VERTEBRATES
WATER RESERVOIRS