EUREKA PROJECT > 2326 GPSFISH
- SUMMARY
- OUTLINE
- PARTICIPANTS
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ICELAND
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NORWAY
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NORWAY
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ICELAND
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POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR MARINE FAUNA
FISH ARE TAGGED WITH A POSITIONING TAG WHICH CAN RECEIVE ACOUSTIC SOUNDS TRANSMITTED BY SONAR. BY MODULATING THE SIGNAL WITH THE GPS POSITION, THE TAG ATTACHED TO THE FISH CAN RECEIVE THE SONAR POSITION AND DEFINE THAT POSITION.
Status > FINISHED - 09-Apr-2007 Technological Area Market Area Start Date > 14-Apr-2000 Duration > 36 Months Participating countries > NORWAY, ICELAND | Main contactSTJORNU-ODDI HF.
MR. SIGMAR GUDBJORNSSON > MANAGING DIRECTOR Organisation type > SME |
Project Description
The objective is to obtain the geographical position of tagged fish and thereby detailed information on migration and distribution of individuals from the main commercial fishery resources. This is done by developing a positioning tag at SJORNU-ODDI (an Icelandic SME). This tag is able to receive acoustic signals transmitted by a SIMRAD sonar device. By modulating a transmitted sonar signal with the GPS position, the tag attached to the fish receives the sonar position and defines that position as being its own. A single sonar can cover a wide area of the ocean up to a 5 km radius. The tags need to be recovered through commercial fisheries to keep track of the trail of the fish. The efficiency of the positioning system depends on numbers of sonars transmitting positions, the range and number of tags in relation to the likelihood of the tag being recovered and being within the sonar's range. As an example, the so-called acoustic survey is performed in NORWAY and ICELAND yearly, where a large portion of the coastal waters is scanned. With the involvement of a research vessel transmitting the ship's GPS position through the sonar into the ocean, there is a good likelihood of reaching a large number of tagged fish. Such a sonar application does not only include sonar on fishing vessels but also with changes in existing sonar on fishing and coastguard vessels, the sonar can also be operated for positioning applications without disturbing the sonar's normal performance. But putting more sonars into use, the likelihood of reaching more tags with positions is increased or more positions are achieved with the same tag. The application should not cause inconvenience to the sonar user, nor should it disturb the sonar's normal performance. The sonar transmits the signal in a spherical form and expectations are that the tags within a 5 Km radius will be able to receive the signal. When the fish with the recording tag detects a position, this will be registered and stored in the tag memory together with timing and the tag will adopt the ship position as its own. The fish has to be caught and the positioning information uploaded from the tag memory so the trail of the fish can be tracked. Examples of crucial information to both science and fish management that can be provided by the GPS fish tag are: * increased understanding of the mechanism behind fish migration * improved echo sounding survey design and thereby increased accuracy of a fish abundance estimate by knowing the migratory route of the fish. Consumers are asking more questions about the exploitation of fishery stocks, requirements that fishery nations can meet by improving monitoring methods. There is no practical method available for positioning of fish in the ocean and no expectations for a new method except the method described. This development and its implementation will move state-of-the-art technology in the field of applying 'high tech' in fishery research into new dimensions. Keywords: specifications, development, verification.
Technological Development Envisaged
The technology of the tags falls in the field of microelectronics and microsystems. The technological objectives are to develop a microsystem/tag that is small in size, capable of receiving acoustic signals from ship sonar and develop the sonar with the necessary hardware and software to modulate and transmit the ship's GPS position to the tag. Key development parameters for the tag are: * its small size and low weight * low power consumption * one year lifetime (biological clock for the fish repeats its cycle each year). The sonar operation has to be modified with new software solutions so that the sonar can operate according to the system specifications with minimal disturbances to the sonar's normal application. A trial system will be evaluated and field tested in Horten, NORWAY. Tags will be planted in different located and at different depths, in acoustic shadows and on the interior and exterior of trapped fish. Ships will sail a pre-planned route (with the GPS position stored in relation to time), results will be analysed with the participants from the Marine Research Institutes and system performance and possibilities analysed in relation to large-scale tagging projects. Each participant is a specialist in his own field and his role in the project is defined as follows: * STJORNU-ODDI will develop the tag that can receive and decode the position from the sonar signal received * SIMRAD will develop the sonar and modulate the transmitted sonar signal with GPS position * STJORNU-ODDI and SIMRAD will select the best modulating form, so that it fits the application (environment/long range/simple and reliable construction * HAFRANNSOKNASTOFNUNIN and HAVFORSKNINGSINSTITUTET will analyse the practical implementation of the system in the field of fishery research and suggest implementation plans * All participants will plan tests, which will be made in NORWAY close to the SIMRAD headquarters where their test facilities will be applied. Technical papers will be written and published in magazines such as "SeaTechnology" at least once during the project's lifetime.
Main contactSTJORNU-ODDI HF.
MR. SIGMAR GUDBJORNSSON > MANAGING DIRECTOR Organisation type > SME |
Contribution to project
will develop the tag that will receive and decode the position from the received sonar signal. Together with SIMRAD will select the best modulation form so that it fits the application. Tags and systems to be tested in NORWAY.
Expertise
Expertise: researches, develops and manufactures electronic tags and sensors that are used to tag animals. The company's products have mostly been used by Marine Research Institutes to tag marine animals. STJORNU-ODDI manufactures and markets the smallest DST (Data Storage Tags) available in the world. the DSTs collect in their memory bank the environmental parameters to which the animal is exposed, such as temperature, depth, salinity and tilt. One of the reasons that STJORNU-ODDI is leading in this field is that it develops its own sensors that are not available to others, sensors that would otherwise be size limiting. STAR-ODDI is experienced in developing low power, micro- sized electronic systems, know-how that is of vital importance to this EUREKA project. Contribution: It will participate in writing technical papers and having them published. Financial contribution: 1.8 country member contribution.
Contribution to project
Analyse the practical implementation of the system in the field of fishery research and suggest implementation plans. Test the sonar,tags and system in NORWAY. Will participate in writing technical papers/publication. 1.8% contribution.
Expertise
Both Marine Research institutes are responsible for carrying out research and collecting data on their national resources within their EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). They report on the conditions of their living resources to the INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEA (ICES). They have within their respective institutes experts and research vessels to carry out research on their living resources.
Main contactSIMRAD A/S
PH.D. FRANK REIER KNUDSEN > FISHERY BIOLOGIST Organisation type > SME |
Contribution to project
Will develop the sonar for modelling the transmitted sonar signal with GPS position. With STJORNU-ODDI will select the best modulation form to fit the application. Will test the sonar, tags and system in NORWAY.
Expertise
World leading firm in researching, developing and manufacturing of sonars and other multiple use underwater acoustic equipment. SIMRAD has the appropriate facilities to test the performance of the system in tanks and in the Oslofjord, where it has its own research vessel equipped with the necessary equipment for such a task. Among SIMRAD's expertise is in the field of low noise, front-end receivers for acoustic signals, know-how which is of great importance to this EUREKA project. Contribution: It will participate in writing technical papers and having them published. Financial contribution: 1.8 country member contribution.
Main contactHAFRANNSOKNASTOFNUNIN
MR. JOHANN SIGURJONSSON > MANAGING DIRECTOR Organisation type > Research Institute |
Contribution to project
Analyse the practical implementation of the system in the field of fishery research and suggest implementation plans. Test the sonar,tags and system in NORWAY/ICELAND.Participate in technical papers/publication. 1.8% contribution.
Expertise
Both Marine Research institutes are responsible for carrying out research and collecting data on their national resources within their EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone). They report on the conditions of their living resources to the INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE SEA (ICES). They have within their respective institutes experts and research vessels to carry out research on their living resources.