Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Rutgers Scientists Testing Acoustic Striped Bass Tracking System

Scientists at Rutgers University have been testing a simple but effective way to track and study the movement of striped bass along the east coast - acoustic tracking. In order to better understand migratory patterns, scientists began tagging striped bass off the New Jersey coast. To date 87 recreationally caught stripers have been tagged with new internal acoustic transmitters. Each of these transmitters emits a different series of tones which are then picked up by underwater listening stations strategically positioned near inlets. Unlike expensive satellite tracking systems that cost roughly $4,000 each plus $1,500 satellite usage fees, the acoustic devices cost just $315 per unit. For about two years, each striper's movements by the inlets can be recorded into a database and downloaded for later review. As technology improves, Rutgers scientists plan to place more hydrophones at the entrances of additional inlets, and eventually expand their study to include bluefish, sturgeon and summer flounder. More on the striped bass study is available from Shallow Water Anger; more on the research is available from www.StriperTracker.org.

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