An acoustic receiver being deployed in southern California. Photo by Ryan Logan.
AOOS is a key partner in the development of the new Northeast Pacific Acoustic Telemetry (N-PAcT) node, an initiative focused on building partnerships to better understand marine species on the move. This collaborative network will unite researchers and organizations from Alaska to Baja California who are actively working or interested in tracking marine animals using acoustic telemetry.
Acoustic telemetry involves tagging marine animals such as fish, crabs, and turtles with transmitters that emit unique ultrasonic signals. These signals are detected by underwater receivers that can be stationed in fixed locations or mounted on vessels, gliders, and other autonomous underwater vehicles.
As tagged animals travel, their signals may be picked up by receivers belonging to different organizations. The N-PAcT node will streamline the sharing of these data, significantly expanding the reach of individual researchers’ monitoring efforts.
The N-PAcT node will also provide data backup, perform quality control, and foster collaboration on future receiver deployments. These efforts will support a growing community of scientists dedicated to studying marine animal movements in the Northeast Pacific.
This initiative is critical as environmental changes are altering the distribution and behavior of mobile marine species. By compiling and archiving animal movement data, the N-PAcT node will enable resource managers to make informed decisions for effectively managing these populations.
To learn more and join the N-PAcT node, visit the N-PAcT website: https://npact.aoos.org/