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Acoustic scan
A 3D image of the seabed partially achieved using acoustic tools

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Acoustic and optical tools

Our research vessel, the Cefas Endeavour, is equipped with the latest sonar technology, and some of this equipment can be supplied for use on other survey vessels.

Our range of acoustic tools include:

  • echo sounders: three frequencies for fish abundance estimation and behaviour studies
  • sonar: for monitoring fish distribution and tracking tagged fish
  • multi-beam swathe sonar: for 3-D seabed mapping
  • digital dual-frequency side-scan sonar: for detailed seabed mapping
  • hydrographic echo sounders: for collecting high-quality ground discrimination data
  • acoustic ground discrimination systems
  • high-resolution, shallow water multi-beam bathymetry system

To check actual details on the seabed, we use a optical tools and other techniques. These include:

  • optical methods, for example drop-down video cameras, a video sledge and sediment-profile camera
  • quantitative methods: Hamon, Shipek and Day grabs to collect sediment and mud
  • qualitative methods, for example beam-trawls and a range of fishing gear.

Our team of experts can advise and assist on survey design, planning and the analysis of outputs.

If you would like to know more about our acoustic and optical tools, or how we can help with survey design and analysis, please contact us.

© Crown Copyright 2012
Last Modified: 24 June 2011