Investigating non-destructive acoustic methods for monitoring vulnerable rocky reef fish

Rocky reef fish play an important role in marine ecosystems and socially as First Nation Food, Social, and Ceremonial, commercial and recreational food fish. Many species of rocky reef fish are vulnerable to fishing pressure and other human impacts like vessel noise. Multiple species are currently listed as Threatened or Species of Special Concern in British Columbia. Increased monitoring of reef fish is required to properly manage existing stocks, however, traditional assessment tools can be expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes lethal to fish. Non-invasive acoustic assessment tools provide an opportunity to improve assessment. This research will develop and test novel acoustic assessment tools to count rocky reef fish species, determine habitat preferences, and evaluate the impacts of boat noise on fish behaviour. Using naturally occurring fish sounds, sonar, and information on vessel traffic I will develop new techniques to improve rocky reef fish assessment and improve conservation of these vulnerable species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Francis Juanes;Dana Haggarty

Student:

Partner:

Ha’oom Fisheries Society

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: