In February, NOAA Fisheries took the initial steps to collect more comprehensive fisheries data by testing equipment that will be used to estimate the abundance of red snapper in the Gulf of America. We will use advanced video and acoustic cameras, combined with echosounders and artificial intelligence (AI) to collect these data. It’s a first-of-its-kind attempt to develop next generation surveys to improve and automate detection of red snapper, even in low visibility conditions, using acoustic technologies.
A Way of Life for Coastal Communities
Stock assessments include estimates of recreational catch, effort, and discards (when a fish is returned into the ocean dead or alive). They factor into how saltwater fishing seasons are determined. In the Southeast United States, saltwater fishing is a favorite pastime. Offshore fishing in the Gulf of America specifically has been cited as one of the top reasons people visit the region. Red snapper is the flagship species for what is considered to be the largest recreational fishery in the world. Red snapper are highly prized for their cultural and recreational value. Having an idea of their abundance in the Gulf is crucial for the sustainable management of the species and the coastal economies that rely on thriving fisheries.
NOAA Fisheries’ Responsibility
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for monitoring fish populations, managing stocks, and enforcing regulations, operating under 10 National Standards of sustainability. Our Southeast Fisheries Science Center is responsible for providing stock assessments to inform management. These assessments are a scientific report containing information on the collection, analysis, and details on the condition of a fish stock and estimating its sustainable yield. Managing sustainable fisheries is a dynamic process that requires consistent attention to new scientific information that can guide management actions.
Using Acoustic Monitoring to Count Fish
Red snapper are reef fish generally found at 30 to 620 feet deep. We use active acoustic monitoring to explore and analyze these habitats in an undetected manner. Through the use of sonar and active acoustic technologies, we can collect the data we need in any visibility.
Our scientists deploy echosounders or other acoustic sensors to capture and record activity from marine animals. Echosounders work by emitting a sound pulse, which travels through the water column. It bounces off objects, including plankton, the seafloor, and—in this case—reef fish. The sound is reflected back to the same device, which calculates the range and properties of the objects. The recorded activity is then analyzed to identify species and observed abundances.
Acoustic methods provide valuable data for understanding trends and changes over time. To accurately identify abundances of red snapper specifically, we also collect video and other supplementary data along with the echosounder and imaging sonar datasets.
Additionally, we are engaging in a collaborative data modernization initiative to ensure the data collected are accessible, interoperable, and able to be effectively analyzed. We are creating an application programming interface to serve as a cloud-based data management tool. It will provide users with an all-in-one solution to load, transform, and analyze acoustics data from all science centers across the United States.
On the Horizon
Traditionally, video and acoustic survey data are analyzed manually. For example, a scientist would review video collected underwater to determine which species are present and active, including recording and counting the number of fish present in the videos. In these red snapper data collection projects, we will be using advanced technologies and Artificial Intelligence to analyze the data collected to identify species, abundance, and health of the observed fish stock. Using this system of data collection and analysis promotes efficiency, and allows us to capture more reliable reef fish data. This will benefit millions of anglers, supporting and positively contributing to Gulf coastal economies by improving and maintaining the health of our fisheries. This work is part of a larger science initiative at NOAA Fisheries that aims to modernize our data acquisition and management. Learn more about the advanced technologies we're using to support this goal.
