Jake Jurmain gave a fascinating presentation on the development and deployment of monitoring fish populations through acoustic monitoring. This project complements Jake’s main research area, Ocean Habitat Engineering and 3D Printing of Habitat Components which he presented at the April 2023 meeting.
Update of 3D Printing of Habitat Components
First, Jake gave us an update on the status of his 3D printing of habitat components. He created a small prototype artificial structure at Lilly Lane at the Mukilteo Dive Park in 2023. The structure is still intact, and has attracted a number of species. However, the prototype components were made of a safe, biodegradable plastic material, which has started to degrade, so George Barron suggested it be removed.
Testing and prototyping is underway on constructing the components from ceramic materials, which will encourage filter feeders like anemones to attach (the way natural rocks do), with new geometry which will provide enhanced hiding places for prey species such as rockfish, and allow for customization such as spaces engineered for specific purposes like octopus dens or lingcod egg laying channels. The new design will make the reef components much faster and easier and more economical to produce.
Acoustic Monitoring of Fish Populations
Did you know that fish are actually noisy? I didn’t. The pops and cracks you hear on coral reefs are the fish vocalizing, much like birdsong you hear on land. Neural network software now enables scientists to accurately identify species from their signature sounds. This allows monitoring of populations and the mix of species in a given habitat. The science hasn’t progressed to the point of being able to assign behaviors to sounds, but monitoring populations is important to reef preservation and recovery efforts.
Most of the work has been done on coral reefs in warm waters, but some research has been done in the Salish Sea, particularly monitoring rockfish. Jake aims to use acoustic monitoring to establish the effectiveness of his artificial reef components in attracting various species. He is currently working with a team at the Seattle Aquarium to monitor rockfish and he hopes to partner with the State of Washington and/or local tribes to see if they’re interested in being able to accurately monitor the number of salmon coming back to spawn in various salmon streams.
Future Efforts
Jake will be selecting local sites to place his sensors to test their effectiveness and collect data. Also, manufacturing prototyping continues for the new ceramic artificial reef components.
If you have questions or want to help, contact Jake at mad_science@seahorsediveclub.com.
April Club Meeting: Ship of Gold with Alan Scott
The sinking of the wooden hull steamship, the SS Central America, during a hurricane in 1857 was America’s worst peacetime sea disaster, claiming a loss of 425 lives and over 3 tons of California gold. Alan Scott, a member of the team that rediscovered the ship in 1988, will highlight the adventure in recovering one of the richest treasures from America’s past.
The meeting will be Thursday, April 23rd, somewhere in the north end. We’ll update the Calendar Event when we’ve firmed up the venue.
This is a special presentation. You don’t want to miss it.
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