Acoustic telemetry quick guide in Current Biology

Hellström, G., Lennox, R.J., Bertram, M.G., Brodin, T., 2022. Acoustic telemetry. Curr. Biol. 32, R863–R865. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2022.05.032 | PDF

What is acoustic telemetry?

Acoustic telemetry is an aquatic tracking technology that enables detailed study of the behaviour and physiology of free-roaming animals. The technology consists of two main components: transmitting tags that are attached to animals and emit ID-coded ultrasonic (67–417 kHz) signals, and receivers, which are data-logging hydrophones moored within a waterbody to detect, decode and store the transmitted signals. Modern acoustic telemetry provides researchers with an unprecedented opportunity to remotely collect high-resolution data on free-ranging aquatic animals of (almost) all sizes and over long time periods (up to ~10 years; Figure 1). Further, low-cost, maintenance-free, and autonomous acoustic telemetry receiver networks today constitute the backbone of modern management of fisheries resources. Receivers can now be set out for up to ~5 years and, in some models, data can be extracted remotely by autonomous gliders. In addition, global research collaborations provide common infrastructure that allows researchers to track highly migratory species such as sharks and tunas across oceans.