Using Video Technology for Fisheries Applications

Moderators: *Ted Otis and Brad Harris
Emails: ted_otis@fishgame.state.ak.us and bharris@umassd.edu

Date: Thursday, September 15, 2005
Time: 8:00 am to 5:40 pm
Location: Egan 3

Fishery biologists have developed a diverse array of tools and techniques to pursue their quarry. Many of these tools are intended to capture fish so they can be weighed, measured, or tagged, however, some seek only to observe fish in their natural habitat. One such technique involves the use of video technology to monitor fish in-situ. While this technique is not new, recent technological advancements have spawned an increase in the use of video technology for fisheries research and monitoring applications. This symposium will showcase innovative ways researchers have used video technology to answer a diverse array of relevant marine and freshwater fisheries questions. Featured presentations will range from using off the shelf equipment to monitor salmon escapement into freshwater streams, to custom designed stereo video systems to assess and measure fish and habitat in deep marine ecosystems. Presenters will emphasize the methods and equipment used to pursue their research objectives, but will also include sufficient data and results to demonstrate the effectiveness of their approach. The primary objective of this symposium is to assemble leading authorities on the use of video technology for fisheries applications so they can share their research and practical experiences with others who may like to add video to their own fisheries assessment toolbox. In keeping with the theme of this meeting, we’ve invited speakers from across disciplines (e.g., private sector, academia, freshwater research, deep marine research) and jurisdictions (e.g., state [MA, HI, TX, CA, ID, OR, WA, AK], and federal [USA, Australia, Switzerland]) to present work their organization is doing that’s relevant to other fisheries professionals. This symposium will provide participants with an understanding of how video technology can be used to collect fisheries data which, in some cases, may not be accessible through other assessment tools.

Link to list of presentations in this symposium

Sponsors:

West Coast & Polar Regions Undersea Research Center (NOAA/NURP)

Kachemak Bay Research Reserve (ADF&G-SF)

Alaska Department of Fish and Game