The Characteristics and Spatio-temporal Distribution of Fish Schools during Summer in the Marine Ranching Area (MRA) of Yeosu using Acoustic Data

Abstract

This study assessed dominant fish species, and the characteristics and spatio-temporal distribution of fish schools using acoustic and catch data in the marine ranching area (MRA) of Yeosu in July and August 2013. Acoustic data were collected using a 200-kHz dual beam transducer, and catch data were analyzed through auction data generated by a set net installed in the MRA. More fish schools were detected by acoustic methods in July than in August. The temporal distribution of fish schools differed between July and August, but, many schools demonstrated a high mean volume scattering strength (SV) around artificial reefs. Additionally, the characteristics of fish schools detected by echograms and the species caught by set nets differed between July and August. The dominant fish species were Engraulis japonicus, Pampus argenteus, Scomberomorus niphonius, and Pampus echinogaster in July, and approximately 85% of the catch in August consisted of Scomberomorus niphonius. Therefore, hydro-acoustic tools are useful for estimating fish school characteristics in large areas over a short period. To determine species, it is important to conduct net sampling surveys during the acoustic surveys. However, if a database of fish school characteristics organized by species is constructed through continuous study, it could be possible to identify fish species through acoustic methods alone.