Echoview Software recently joined forces with Dr. Kristian Metcalfe and colleagues in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter Penryn Campus to deliver a pioneering master’s level course, An Introduction to Scientific Echosounding.
The course was designed for students enrolled in the Master of Science (MSc) program in Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation and aimed to provide them with hands-on experience of echosounder data processing using Echoview.
The two-day workshop was led by Echoview scientist and lead trainer Dr. Toby Jarvis, with additional support from Echoview’s Regional Sales Manager, Mike Palin, and University of Exeter staff.
The 52 MSc students were introduced to the theory and practice of single beam and multibeam echosounders for scientific research and learned that these instruments are valuable for the study of marine vertebrate prey such as fish and zooplankton.
The course was delivered in a hands-on ‘follow me’ style using Echoview; the students were introduced to examples of single beam and multibeam echosounder data, and led through a systematic post-processing workflow that forms the foundation of any echosounder-related analysis.
Dr. Kristian Metcalfe Programme Director said, “Fisheries acoustics which has been primarily used for stock assessments now plays a key role across a broad range of disciplines including marine conservation. As the field evolves to incorporate new and emerging technologies it is important that our postgraduate students gain insights into its potential applications – which this course delivered in an accessible and engaging format.”
Brett Merrit CEO of Echoview Software, “This course was an exciting opportunity for students to experience the practical side of echosounding data processing and the importance of quality data analysis.”
“Our intention is to deliver more of these courses to prepare the next generation of aquatic scientists (marine, freshwater or estuarine) in best practice hydroacoustic data processing.”
The two-day workshop was a huge success, noted by great student engagement and interest. Students were provided with a certificate of completion.
The course is likely to be repeated for next year’s cohort of MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation students, also with the potential of a very light introduction to undergraduate students.
Echoview Software thanks the University of Exeter for their support in delivering this course.
For universities (and other businesses) interested in collaborating with Echoview Software on similar opportunities, please reach out to our team at: info@echoview.com.
