Deneudt, K.

Desmet, P.

Hernandez, F.

Pauwels, I.

Reubens, J.

Van Hoey, S.

Verhelst, P.

Open Marine Archive

- 75 - 
 
 
The acoustic receiver network: a sea of opportunities 
Reubens Jan
1
, Verhelst Pieterjan
1-2
, Pauwels Ine
3
, Van Hoey Stijn
3
, Deneudt Klaas
1
, Desmet Peter
3
, and 
Hernandez Francisco
1 
1
 Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), InnovOcean site, Wandelaarkaai 7, 8400 Oostende, Belgium 
E-mail: jan.reubens@vliz.be  
2
 Marine Biology Research Group, Biology Department, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281–S8, 9000 Gent, 
Belgium 
3
 Research Institute for Nature and Forest INBO, Kliniekstraat 25, 1070 Brussels, Belgium 
 
Technology does not stand still and it helps researchers to perform high-quality scientific research. 
Improving technology allows us to gather continuous information on ocean processes, animal 
behaviour and environmental variables using automated devices. The acoustic receiver network for 
instance, allows flexible and cost-efficient spatio-temporal tracking of migratory fish species. This 
network uses acoustic telemetry to gather the data. In the framework of LifeWatch 
(http://www.lifewatch.be), which was established as part of the European Strategy Forum on Research 
Infrastructures, the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) and the Research Institute for Nature and Forest 
(INBO) created this receiver network to support biodiversity research and environmental impact studies. 
The network currently consists of 177 receivers, covering both the Belgian part of the North Sea, the 
Western Scheldt Estuary and different rivers in Belgium. Detailed observations of animal movements 
and behaviour in relation to the aquatic environment can significantly improve our understanding of 
ecosystem functioning and dynamics (e.g. migration routes, spatio-temporal habitat use and migratory 
behaviour). In addition, it provides the scientific basis for fisheries management, species protection, 
marine spatial planning and environmental impact assessments. 
 
But having a network of devices, each able to capture up to 1.6 million detections, leads to big data. 
Big data easily goes beyond the limits of normal spreadsheets, requires a lot of RAM memory and 
requires (too) much calculating power from your personal computer when performing the analyses. 
Thus, we have to look for alternative solutions to work with this kind of data. 
 
VLIZ hosts a PostgreSQL database able to store all the information. The database is linked to a 
collaborative environment (R-server) where all analyses of the data can be performed and results can be 
visualized using the R-shiny application. To facilitate the data-entry for researchers, a web interface 
was developed in PHP using symphony framework. There are several entry forms to manage metadata 
on receivers, tags and animals and upload the detections into the database in an automated way. 
 
This database is a first step towards a European animal tracking network (ETN). Such a network will: 1) 
improve the capacity to monitor large scale movements of marine animals, 2) foster cooperation 
between scientists across borders and 3) foster efficient use of resources and compete for large scale 
European funding opportunities. 
 
Do you want to know more? Visit us at the LifeWatch demo booth! 
 
Keywords: telemetry; acoustic receiver; network; ETN  


The acoustic receiver network: a sea of opportunities

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Open Marine Archive