Fairbanks, AlaskaTracking fish across Alaska's vast continental shelves can present a challenge to any scientist studying Alaska's seas. Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks have successfully tested a possible solution in the form of underwater gliders.
Last month, Peter Winsor, associate professor of physical oceanography, and Andrew Seitz, assistant professor of fisheries, tested the use of autonomous underwater vehicles, called gliders, for tracking tagged fish. Winsor and Seitz suspended acoustic tags, usually implanted in fish, at different depths along a buoy line near Juneau. They then deployed two gliders fitted with an acoustic listening device to "hear" the signals from the tags.
Winsor and Seitz say these are the first gliders to be deployed in Alaska with an acoustic monitoring device to track tagged fish.
Each glider is about five feet long and flies like an airplane through the water in an up-and-down motion. They are propelled using an internal bladder that works much like a fish's swim bladder. When the bladder expands, the glider moves toward the surface. When it contracts, it moves toward the seafloor.
"They convert changes in water depth into forward movement," said Seitz.
The gliders move at a speed of nearly one mile per hour and can operate for up to three months. According to Winsor, the gliders can cover thousands of miles of ocean. At the surface, the glider transmits data, including its location and oceanographic readings, directly to scientists.
"With the gliders, we not only learn about where the fish go, but we can also measure the physical, chemical and biological environment of the ocean at the same time," said Winsor.
Traditional methods of tracking tagged fish include using a ship equipped with an acoustic listening device, or by using what scientists call a "listening line," which is a series of hydrophones attached to the seafloor.
"T
'/>"/>
| Contact: Carin Stephens cbstephens@alaska.edu 907-322-8730 University of Alaska Fairbanks Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Unveiling the underwater ways of the white shark
2. Underwater microscope helps prevent shellfish poisoning along Gulf Coast of Texas
3. School of Robofish provides basis for underwater robot teams
4. NJIT professors research suggests changes in underwater data communications
5. Little Salt Spring underwater archeological site in Florida receives new funding
6. An underwater drugstore?
7. Toward cheap underwater sensor nets
8. Scientists report first remote, underwater detection of harmful algae, toxins
9. MBARI sends underwater robot to study Deepwater Horizon spill
10. IEEE touts NJIT professor for expertise in underwater acoustic communication
11. Climate change goes underground
 |
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |