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Biotelemetry

This document discusses advances in biotelemetry techniques used to monitor aquatic animals. It describes how transmitters are attached to animals and how they transmit location and physiological data via radio or ultrasonic signals. Techniques for attaching transmitters externally, internally in the stomach, or via surgery are covered. Methods for tracking tagged animals from boats, planes, or automatically are also summarized along with considerations for sampling, data collection, storage, and analysis in the field.

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129 views

Biotelemetry

This document discusses advances in biotelemetry techniques used to monitor aquatic animals. It describes how transmitters are attached to animals and how they transmit location and physiological data via radio or ultrasonic signals. Techniques for attaching transmitters externally, internally in the stomach, or via surgery are covered. Methods for tracking tagged animals from boats, planes, or automatically are also summarized along with considerations for sampling, data collection, storage, and analysis in the field.

Uploaded by

binukiruba
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Advances in Underwater

Biotelemetry

Chapter 19
19.1 Introduction
Monitor locations,
behavior, physiology
of aquatic animals
Involves attaching to
aquatic organism a
device that relays
biological information
Relayed via radio
signals
Monitors animals not visible
Collect data with minimal disturbance
Means to solve biological problems
Devices
Transmitter-device attached emits signal
Transponder-returns a signal in response
Active
Passive
Transmitter
Electronic oscillator
circuit produces signal
Measure of frequency is
hertz
Factors to consider for
telemetry
Compile testable yes or no questions
Can the problem be solved using
another method?
Yes. Dont do telemetry

19.2 Telemetry Systems
Origin in late 1950's
Modified to work
underwater in the
1960's
Features Common to
Ultrasonic and Radio Systems
Transmitter signals
Continuous wave or
pulsing signal
Continuous more easily
detected and recorded
Pulsing signals use less
energy and increase
transmitter life
Encapsulated (for compactness) with
Epoxy
Wax
Urethane
Silicone
Dental acrylic

Transmitter encapsulation
Done by
pouring material
over components
dipping component
into material
Density of should
be similar to water
Transmitter encapsulation
(cont.)
Batteries
Choice is critical (size)
Largely determined by battery energy per
unit volume/weight
Other considerations include cost, shelf life
and availability
Five types of
batteries are used
Lithium
Highest voltage/unit weight
and volume
Excellent low temperature
performance
Good high temperature
performance
Long shelf life
Good efficiency
Low cost

Mercury oxide
Possible health hazard
Silver oxide
Alkaline
Rechargeable nickel-cadmium
Five types of batteries
are used (cont.)
Receivers
Filters input signals, amplifies,
and converts to usable form
Must have good sensitivity
Must have narrow frequency
Portable receiver should
have rechargeable batteries
Should have water proof
switches and be moisture
resistant
Advantages/disadvantages of
Ultrasonic & Radio Systems

With respect to characteristics
Depth
Water conductivity
Current speed
Habitat size
Plant densities
Temperature gradients
45-100 ft.
high
3mph
300 square mi.
50 - 85
low
Ultrasonic telemetry
Macrophytes
Algae
Thermoclines
Water turbulence
Rain drops and boat motors
Salt and fresh with high conductivity
Deep water
Adversely affected by (reduce signal
range)

Radiotelemetry
Shallow water
Low conductivity fresh water
Turbulent water
Can be used for large areas
Can be used from shore
Cannot be used in salt water
Deflected by objects
Coded and sensing
transmitters
Provide information on
Animals identity
Physiological variables
Behavior
Environment
Often used to identify
tagged individuals
Selection of a supplier
Review literature for names of
researchers
Ask for a reliable manufacturer
Do not reinvent the wheel

A firm should
Fill orders quickly
Repair equipment
quickly
Loan replacement
equipment
Offer advice
Visit site to solve
a problem
Selection of a supplier
(cont.)
19.3 Methods of attaching
transmitters
Depends on
Morphology and
behavior of
species
Nature of
aquatic
ecosystem
Objectives of
project
External Transmitters
Easier and quicker than
surgical implantation
Used for fish spawning
and feeding
Necessary for sensing
environmental factors
Increase drag on
swimming organisms
Widest application
Attaches transmitter
alongside dorsal fin
Surgical needle can
be used
Neoprene placed
between fish and
plate
Attach radio
transmitter
Stomach Inserted
Transmitters
Do not cause drag
Cannot become snagged
Less likely to be
abrasive
Can use heavier package
Can be done quickly
Short habituation time
for fish
Disadvantages
Difficult to get in
fish's mouth
May be regurgitated
May rupture the
esophagus or
stomach
External variables
are difficult to
monitor
Surgically implanted
transmitters
Excellent for physiological
transmitters
Best for long term attachment
External factors difficult to
monitor

Takes long to perform
Long recovery period
More likely to cause infection
19.4 Methods of tracking -
Boat
Stop at specific locations
Listen for transmitter
signals
Engine off or at low
revolutions
By signal position boat
above animal
Locate animal on map
Measurements taken
Airplane
Highly mobile tagged
animals
Greatest detection range for
signals
Very high cost
Easy to miss animal due to
speed
Locations determined within
100 m
Triangulation
Bearings from two or more locations


Great error by
moving animals

Move receiving
unit between
locations

Appearance at fixed
locations
Receivers set at certain locations
Record presence or absence of transmitter
Automatic tracking system
Measure time taken by
signal to travel through
water
Very accurate
Must have strong signal
Animals must be in home
range
Satellite telemetry
By satellite
Track remote, wide ranging
animals
Usually used on larger
animals
Automatic Data Recording
Automatically decoded and recorded
Absence or presence of signal on strip chart
Manual- one animal at a time
Timers may be used
More elaborate
Electronic data sheets
Data collection computers
Microcomputers
19.5 Sampling and processing -
Field Considerations
Have spare for everything
Store transmitters in padded boxes
Store in refrigerator if not used for long
(batteries)
Activate transmitters days before testing
Field Considerations (cont.)
Test transmitter before
attaching to animal
Cover receivers with
plastic bags
Dry out receivers after
use
Discharge nicad
battery before
recharging

Sampling size considerations
Number tagged depends on
Cost
Labor
Availability of animals
Type of data desired
Method of analysis
Methods of Searching
Use equally
spaced transects
Vary starting point
each day
Sampling time
Do not sample same time every
day
All hours sampled equally
Choose days and time
randomly
Data Plots


Statistical programs can plot scattergrams
Draw bearings on
plot board

Each animal gets
a x and y
coordinate

Data analysis
Usually done with computer
Define biotelemetry

Population of interest
Experimental unit
Hypothesis to be tested
Present in appropriate units
Ho
Ha

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