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NOAA Protocols for Fisheries Acoustics Surveys and Related ...

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ackscattering cross-section (σ i ), the conversion from numerical to biomass density (D i ), <strong>and</strong> the<br />

survey area (A i ). This equation providing a conceptual framework <strong>for</strong> the following protocols,<br />

with each component addressed in turn.<br />

B<br />

i<br />

CE<br />

=<br />

σ<br />

i<br />

i<br />

D A<br />

i<br />

i<br />

The national acoustic survey protocol document, <strong>NOAA</strong> <strong>Protocols</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Fisheries</strong> <strong>Acoustics</strong><br />

<strong>Surveys</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Related</strong> Sampling, contains more detailed background material <strong>and</strong> additional<br />

in<strong>for</strong>mation.<br />

Protocol 1 – Calibration <strong>and</strong> System Per<strong>for</strong>mance (C)<br />

Calibration<br />

The calibration process characterizes system parameters relative to expected st<strong>and</strong>ard values<br />

<strong>and</strong> is conducted to (1) ensure that the echosounder <strong>and</strong> transducer components are operating<br />

properly, to (2) document the system per<strong>for</strong>mance over time (i.e., among survey periods), <strong>and</strong> to<br />

(3) allow inter-echosounder comparisons. The practice of calibration is essential to ensure<br />

accurate quantitative surveys.<br />

Techniques<br />

Issues to consider <strong>for</strong> the calibration procedure include that (1) the calibration should be<br />

conducted in as near the range of environmental conditions (e.g., water temperature <strong>and</strong> salinity)<br />

as are expected during the ensuing survey, (2) water depths must be sufficient to exceed nearfield<br />

limitations <strong>and</strong> system limitations <strong>for</strong> the sounder frequencies to be calibrated, (3) the<br />

vessel needs to be anchored a) in a location that is calm <strong>and</strong> sheltered, avoiding areas with<br />

inclement weather or strong tidal currents to minimize the effects of surge that can hamper the<br />

ability to properly locate the suspended sphere in the sound beam, <strong>and</strong> b) in an area with few or<br />

no fish. Given the above considerations, which collectively are all difficult to fully satisfy, past<br />

experience indicates the calibrations <strong>for</strong> the west coast survey should be conducted at the<br />

following locations:<br />

• Port Susan, Puget Sound, Washington (489 N, 1227 W)<br />

• Departure Bay, near Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada (4912N, 12358 W)<br />

• Barkley Sound, near Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada (4855 N, 12530.5 W)<br />

• Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada (5419 N, 13019 W)<br />

Another site that may be used, but is less favorable due to depth limitations <strong>and</strong> protection<br />

from surge, is:<br />

108

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