Bioacoustics

Small fish, zooplankton and squid are important components of all marine ecosystems, however quantifying their abundance, distribution and behaviour over large spatial scales is difficult using traditional net sampling methods. The Bioacoustics sub-Facility uses vessels equipped with echosounders, at single and multiple frequencies to estimate the abundance and distribution of these mid-tropic level organisms.

Waves

Why it’s important

This data is important for providing observed distribution and abundance information for ecosystem models in addition to providing a point of validation to predictions made by these models. The continued observing of Bioacoustics data from large research and fishing vessels provides this information, a powerful resource for understanding the marine ecosystem at both local and oceanic basin scales.

Contributed vessels to bio-acoustic program

There are currently 18 vessels, including both commercial and research vessels that have contributed to the collection of IMOS Bio-Acoustic data.

Antarctic Chieftain
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated byAustralian Longline
Status: Active

Antarctic Discovery
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated byAustralian Longline
Status: Active

Atlas Cove
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated byAustral Fisheries
Status: Active

Aurora Australis
Type: Ship, research
Operated byAustralian Antarctic Division
Status: Active

Austral Leader II
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated byAustral Fisheries
Status: Decommissioned

Corinthian Bay
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated byAustral Fisheries
Status: Active

Investigator
Type: Ship, research
Operated byCSIRO
Status: Active

Isla Eden
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated byAustral Fisheries
Status: Active

Janas
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated byTalley’s Group Limited
Status: Active

Kaharoa
Type: Ship, research
Operated byNIWA
Status: Active

Oscar Elton Sette
Type: Ship, research
Operated byNOAA
Status: Active

Rehua
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated bySealord Group Ltd
Status: Active

Santo Rocco
Type: Ship, research
Operated by: Australian Wild Tuna Pty Ltd
Status: Decommissioned

Saxon Onward
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated by: Voyager Seafoods Pty Ltd
Status: Active

Southern Champion
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated byAustral Fisheries
Status: Decommissioned

Southern Surveyor
Type: Ship, research
Operated byCSIRO
Status: Decommissioned

Tangaroa
Type: Ship, research
Operated byNIWA
Status: Active

Will Watch
Type: Ship, fishing
Operated bySealord Group Ltd
Status: Active