The Robotic Revolution in Fisheries Acoustics

Here, we will describe a vision for how an unmanned robotic vehicle, the Liquid Robotics Wave

Glider, can be used to transform fisheries acoustics into a science more consistent with the new

ocean-observing paradigm. Wave Gliders harness wave energy for propulsion and solar energy

to power their communications, control, navigation, and environmental sensing systems. This

unique utilization of wave and solar energy allows Wave Gliders to collect acoustic and other

ocean environmental data sets for extended periods of time. Recently, we developed a multifrequency,

split-beam echo sounder system for Wave Gliders that enable them to collect acoustic

data sets comparable to those collected with manned survey vessels. A fleet of Wave Gliders

collecting such data can dramatically improve the synopticity as well as the spatial and temporal

coverage of acoustic stock assessment surveys. With improved stock assessments, fisheries

managers will have better information to set quotas that maximize yields to fishermen and reduce

the likelihood of overfishing. Improved observational capabilities also would enable fisheries

scientists and oceanographers to more closely monitor the responses of different fish stocks to

climate variability and change.