Behind the scenes with our science team
Every year on 21 November, World Fisheries Day highlights the importance of sustainable fisheries and the need to protect the aquatic environments we rely on. It’s a timely reminder of why science, innovation, and responsible stewardship matter.
We’re taking you behind the scenes with our Science team as they trial one of the latest tools in our research toolkit: the BlueBoat, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV). Earlier this week, several of our Hydroacoustic Specialists headed out on the water to put the vessel through its paces.
Equipped with a pole-mounted Blueprint Subsea Oculus multibeam imaging sonar, the BlueBoat allows us to safely and efficiently collect acoustic data. A tablet running the Oculus data acquisition software is mounted in a waterproof case and after the BlueBoat returns to shore from its mission, the acoustic data is transferred from the tablet to data processing computers. The USV can also be fitted for remote data transfer and/or on-board data processing and decimation during data acquisition missions, if required.
For our consulting and research projects, this system means deeper insights, greater flexibility, and the ability to assess rivers, lakes or marine environments with minimal disturbance to the ecosystems we're studying.
With the data loaded into Echoview, advanced scientific processing to support a range of research activities is possible, including:
- Stock assessment of fish and other aquatic species
• Environmental management
• Ecosystem monitoring
• Baseline surveys
• Behavioral studies
• Bottom classification
• Mapping submerged vegetation
As we recognize World Fisheries Day, this trial is a fitting example of how innovation and science work hand in hand. Tools like the BlueBoat enable us to deliver robust, data-driven insights to guide sustainable management and ensure healthier fisheries into the future.
Our team brings extensive expertise in hydroacoustic methods to support research and environmental assessments across marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems. From fish and zooplankton to macroalgae and aquatic vegetation, we apply advanced echosounder and sonar technologies, including single-beam and multibeam systems, to help clients better understand the ecosystems they manage.
For more information on our active acoustics consulting services, please visit here.
