Development and Improvement of Acoustic Equipments and System for Fisheries Resources Survey in shallow Area

Abstract

The acoustic data collection system including equipment modification were conducted for coastal area survey around set-net fishing ground in Rayong province, Thailand. An analysis methodology is also developed and will be using as a tool for acoustic survey methodology education for young scientist in Thailand. The project modified acoustic device with composed of GPS Plotter Fish-Finder (FURUNO GP1670F), Interface unit and personal computer (PC) for using as acoustic data collection system. The equipment modification was performed by importing the echo-sounder transmitting and receiving signal from transducer cable to newly designed data collection system. The data collection system were composed of Pre-Amplifier and Band Pass Filter, Interface unit, Analog to Digital Converter, and PC computer system. The digital hydro-acoustic data were collected to PC hard disc by using “FishFinder” software program. The GPS position data was transfer from GP1670F to PC Computer pass through standard NMEA to USB port. The GPS position data were recorded to PC by using Windows Hyper-terminal program. The data collection system was design to record the echo-sounder signal of 50 kHz only. The recorded data in “.csv” file format were analyzed by Microsoft Excel Program. The data collection system was calibrated by standard target ball (Tungsten carbine, 38.1 mm) in the acoustic experimental water test tank of TUMSAT, Japan. The experiment survey cruise for investigated on the comparison of abundance of fisheries resources during set-net fishing operation season and off season were conducted during December 2013 and April 2014, respectively. Total survey area covering for 16.25 km2 of set-net fishing ground with running distant of 38.5 km. The survey results shows a satisfied system performance.