An Optical Assessment of Weathervane Scallop Density and Abundance Off Kodiak Island, Alaska

Batter, Victoria M.; Smeltz, T. Scott; Wolf, Nathan; Rosenkranz, Gregg E.; Siddon, Christopher E.; Harris, Bradley P.

doi:10.2983/35.040.0103

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Among the direct methods, visual counting of scallops along transects carried out by divers has been used in surveys of small-scale fisheries (Amoroso et al ., 2011; McGarvey et al ., 2008; Rosenkranz and Byersdorfer, 2004; Stokebury and Himmelman, 1993). The limitations of diving (effort, maximum diving depth, safety issues) together with recent technological advances have motivated the incorporation of remote observations to collect abundance data, especially using video cameras (e.g., towed cameras, drop cameras, remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles) (Batter et al ., 2021, Fields et al ., 2019, Stokesbury and Bethoney, 2020, Singh et al ., 2014, Flannery and Przeslawski, 2015; Goshima and Fujiwara, 1994). Such technologies have demonstrated efficiency for collecting georeferenced data in a wider depth range than diving, making it possible to cover larger areas with less effort and greater security (Bethoney et al ., 2019; Conan and Maynard, 1987).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

"Toki", a light low-cost video system for seabed research: performance and precision of Tehuelche scallop (Aequipecten tehuelchus) survey estimates in San José Gulf, Argentina

Trobbiani,

Getino Mamet,

Irigoyen

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Studies of benthic abundance and biodiversity are essential for fisheries management and environmental impact assessments. In the case of commercial species, such as Tehuelche scallop (Aequipecten tehuelchus), accurate information on the stocks and their densities is crucial. The standard survey method used to estimate abundance of Tehuelche scallops in San José Gulf, Argentina Patagonia, based on visual counts obtained by divers is labor-intensive and limited to diving depths. This study introduces a light low-cost video remote system, named "Toki", for monitoring scallop beds from small boats. Toki consists of a steel pyramidal structure that houses two cameras, capable of capturing georeferenced high-definition images. The performance of Toki for estimating the density and size composition of scallops was evaluated. The results demonstrate that Toki provides efficient and accurate density estimates, with variations that can be attributed to observer experience and environmental factors such as bottom algal cover. The size frequency distributions obtained from Toki aligned well with those from hand collection, which allows such measurement for beds beyond diveable depths. Toki offers advantages in terms of spatial coverage and permanent data records. While there are some limitations, such as processing time for image analysis, future developments based on artificial intelligence can overcome these challenges. Toki has the potential to improve the monitoring of scallop beds and data collection.

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