A hands‐on guide to use network video recorders, internet protocol cameras, and deep learning models for dynamic monitoring of trout and salmon in small streams

Abstract

This study outlines a method for using surveillance cameras and an algorithm that calls a deep learning model to generate video segments featuring salmon and trout in small streams. This automated process greatly reduces the need for human intervention in video surveillance. Furthermore, a comprehensive guide is provided on setting up and configuring surveillance equipment, along with instructions on training a deep learning model tailored to specific requirements. Access to video data and knowledge about deep learning models makes monitoring of trout and salmon dynamic and hands‐on, as the collected data can be used to train and further improve deep learning models. Hopefully, this setup will encourage fisheries managers to conduct more monitoring as the equipment is relatively cheap compared with customized solutions for fish monitoring. To make effective use of the data, natural markings of the camera‐captured fish can be used for individual identification. While the automated process greatly reduces the need for human intervention in video surveillance and speeds up the initial sorting and detection of fish, the manual identification of individual fish based on natural markings still requires human effort and involvement. Individual encounter data hold many potential applications, such as capture–recapture and relative abundance models, and for evaluating fish passages in streams with hydropower by spatial recaptures, that is, the same individual identified at different locations. There is much to gain by using this technique as camera captures are the better option for the fish's welfare and are less time‐consuming compared with physical captures and tagging.