Leading edge biotelemetry technology was required to achieve the goals of the study, which included the precise monitoring of steelhead within holding cages, as well as their detection and positioning throughout the region. The remote nature of the area required the design and installation of autonomous monitoring stations, as well as providing radio (VHF) and satellite (MSAT) communication capabilities to each station to permit the real-time monitoring. As bi-modal transmitters (Combined Acoustic and Radio Transmitters) were employed during the program, monitoring stations were designed for radio and acoustic detection. In addition to antennas, stations were equipped with moored hydrophone arrays. The fjord-like bathymetry necessitated the design and deployment of complex, deep-water moorings (200m), requiring the coordination of large surface vessels especially equipped for the task.
Throughout the project, ABI staff were employed in all phases of the study
from supplying technical expertise speaking to technical
issues during meetings with the scientific steering committee,
to the installation and maintenance of datalogging stations
and the execution of an intensive manual tracking program.
Responsibilities included data analysis and report production.
