Deep sea technology that will provide accurate and useful marine sustainability research is being launched by New Zealand fishing company Sealord.
Sealord has invested more than NZD is a multi-frequency Acoustic Optical System (AOS) which will provide a boost to the science that contributes to New Zealand’s quota management system.
The equipment allows scientists to use acoustics at different frequencies and optics to understand what is happening with the fish in the ocean, and the marine environment.
The multi-frequency system with advanced broadband technology can see the difference between fish with gas filled swim bladders, and those without. This makes data far more accurate than simply measuring biomass from hull mounted echo-sounders. It combines advanced broadband technology and integrated habitat monitoring camera systems which will aid development of new tools to help protect ocean habitats and vulnerable species.
“Sealord invests millions of dollars each year to ensure the resource that is our livelihood is well understood. We hop that providing access to additional technology will help us get even better at looking after the oceans,” said Graham Stewart, Sealord CEO. “Recent research has shown orange roughy, which have been carefully managed for the last decade due to what was thought to be low stocks, are now in very good health. The AOS system will allow us to be certain about this due to the accuracy of the information it can provide.”
The first research projects Sealord’s AOS system will be used for is the Mid-East Coast Orange Roughy survey. The equipment will also be made available at a nominal fee so research providers and industry can use it to improve the overall scientific knowledge of our fisheries.
Sealord has invested more than NZD is a multi-frequency Acoustic Optical System (AOS) which will provide a boost to the science that contributes to New Zealand’s quota management system.
The equipment allows scientists to use acoustics at different frequencies and optics to understand what is happening with the fish in the ocean, and the marine environment.
The multi-frequency system with advanced broadband technology can see the difference between fish with gas filled swim bladders, and those without. This makes data far more accurate than simply measuring biomass from hull mounted echo-sounders. It combines advanced broadband technology and integrated habitat monitoring camera systems which will aid development of new tools to help protect ocean habitats and vulnerable species.
“Sealord invests millions of dollars each year to ensure the resource that is our livelihood is well understood. We hop that providing access to additional technology will help us get even better at looking after the oceans,” said Graham Stewart, Sealord CEO. “Recent research has shown orange roughy, which have been carefully managed for the last decade due to what was thought to be low stocks, are now in very good health. The AOS system will allow us to be certain about this due to the accuracy of the information it can provide.”
The first research projects Sealord’s AOS system will be used for is the Mid-East Coast Orange Roughy survey. The equipment will also be made available at a nominal fee so research providers and industry can use it to improve the overall scientific knowledge of our fisheries.
