Development and calibration of an acoustic telemetry transmitter for identifying predation events

Acoustic telemetry is a rapidly expanding technology to quantify the movement and behavior of aquatic animals; key for developing effective management for aquatic ecosystems. Acoustic telemetry uses transmitters affixed to aquatic animals that are detected by receivers placed in aquatic ecosystems. An important problem that limits telemetry is the assumption that the detected transmitter represents the originally tagged animal and not a predator that has eaten the tagged animal (i.e. tag is in the predator’s stomach). Vemco, a company focused on telemetry technologies, has developed a predation tag that identifies when another animal consumes the originally tagged animal. The intern will study the performance of these tags for a range of fish sizes and temperatures through controlled laboratory studies. Further, the intern will examine avenues to refine and optimize these tags. The results of this research will be presented, published and will allow Vemco to demonstrate the utility of predation tags for the wide range of acoustic telemetry applications, ultimately increasing market share in this expanding technology field.

Faculty Supervisor:

Aaron Fisk

Student:

Partner:

Amirix Systems Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Windsor

Program: