Hydroacoustics for density and biomass estimations in aquaculture ponds

The use of hydroacoustics is currently being studied and developed as a promising non-intrusive methodology to monitor manage fish stocks in aquaculture farms. main objective this study was develop an acoustic method for the estimation density biomass inland farms test accuracy precision estimates with real data provided by company. conducted sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) production ponds located Seville (Southern Spain). A Simrad EK60 echosounder two split-beam circular transducers operating simultaneously at 200 kHz used hydroacoustic surveys. Two different designs were considered: central trajectories zigzag trajectories. examined order select best sampling design. Due non-homogeneous distribution pond caused avoidance behaviour, response disturbance presented fish, corrected applying theory according probability detection. When corrected, became highly accurate precise respect data, which confirms that proposed adequate. Similarly, weight agreement due specific equations “in situ” study. Although no significant differences recorded regard trajectory (central vs. zigzag), it observed most always obtained Therefore, design appropriate measurements ponds. results provide accurately match supporting potentially valid tool