Angling for sustainability research study
For the last year the University of Plymouth has been collaborating with the Angling Trust, Southern IFCA, the Professional Boatman’s Association and Natural England on the Angling for Sustainability study.
Funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the study aims to fill knowledge gaps on fish migration patterns and understand what this means for the angling community.
Why fish tracking is essential for research
Dr Alice Hall and Dr Peter Davies of the University of Plymouth are leading the study by evaluating hotspots for the recreational angling community in Dorset and the Solent. Whilst it’s local common knowledge that the size and volume of fish species has significantly decreased in recent years, there is minimal data that paints a bigger picture of what is happening beneath us.
How fish are tagged and released back into the ocean
Using acoustic telemetry tagging equipment supplied by RS Aqua and Innovasea, tags which transmit an acoustic signal are surgically implanted inside the fish which is then released back into the ocean. This signal is then detected on a network of receivers deployed across the English Channel, when the tagged fish passes through.
This data is then logged over time, providing a vital information on migration paths, breeding patterns, predator/prey relationship and population status of key species across the English Channel.
Technology used for this study
To complete the study with the focus on fish tracking, RS Aqua’s Acoustic Release Canister (ARC), and Innovasea VR2AR receivers and V9 and V13 tags have been carefully selected for use.
ARC
The Acoustic Release Canister (ARC) retrieval system is designed specifically for use with Innovasea VR2AR fish tracking acoustic release (AR) receiver. When the acoustic release is activated, the ARC brings it to the surface whilst leaving a rope attached to the anchor for full recovery of all seabed mooring infrastructure.
Additional sensors such as PAM acoustic recorders, CTDs and cameras can be mounted to and recovered using the ARC system.
VR2AR
The receivers have built-in transmitters that enable remote communications from the surface with the deployed receivers and have environmental sensors (e.g. temperature, tilt, noise and signal strength).
Acoustic Transmitters
Innovasea fish tags emit coded transmissions which are uniquely identifiable by Innovasea receivers. They come in a variety of sizes, frequencies, power outputs, battery life and sensor options.
How the project is progressing to date
Last summer, the team led a successful tagging trip near Dancing Ledge (a popular angling destination) and successfully caught and tagged two endangered tope sharks.
The acoustic transmitters (V9 and V13) are surgically implanted in the endangered species will last 10 years, providing plenty of insights into tope migration behaviors.