Incorporating Technological Advances in Standard Inland Fish Sampling Programs: Challenges and Opportunities

Advanced electronics and new methodologies are giving fisheries managers a much greater understanding of fish biology and are providing means for studying and managing fish populations that were unheard of 10 years ago.  Tools such as infrared imaging, ultrasonic imaging, high-definition underwater videography, rapid online data comparison techniques and eDNA are opening up new frontiers in data acquisition, data analysis, and aquatic education.  Additionally, the rapidly declining costs of these technologies are placing them within reach of budget-challenged federal, state, and local fisheries biologists.  A brief overview of some of these new tools, their capabilities, and how they are currently being used in fisheries studies provides additional options for 21^st century fisheries managers.  Deciding how they will be incorporated in future standard fish sampling programs will provide both challenges and opportunities.