Feasibility study: vessel-based Hector’s dolphin acoustic monitoring systems
April 2021 — New Zealand
Client: Fisheries New Zealand
A feasibility assessment and desktop design of a passive acoustic monitoring system to detect and track the location of Hector’s dolphins to determine if they are interacting with bottom trawl fishing nets. Using theoretical simulations, the study examines different array and localisation tracking concepts, possible detection ranges, and installation locations for hydrophones. Recommendations are made for pursuing field trials to obtain baseline data in advance of testing various acoustic mitigation measures, including dolphin deterrent devices, to reduce entanglement risks to dolphins.
