A review of acoustic telemetry in Europe and the need for a regional aquatic telemetry network

Abstract

Background: Globally, there are a large and growing number of researchers using biotelemetry as a tool to study aquatic animals. In Europe, this community lacks a formal network structure. The aim of this study is to review the use of acoustic telemetry in Europe and document the contribution of cross-boundary studies and inter-research group collaborations. Based on this, we explore the potential benefits and challenges of a network approach to identify future priorities and best practices for aquatic biotelemetry research in Europe. Results: Over the past decade, there was an approximately sevenfold increase in the number of acoustic telemetry studies published on marine and diadromous species in Europe compared to a sixfold increase globally. Over 90% of these studies were conducted on fishes and undertaken in coastal areas, estuaries, or rivers. 75% of these studies were conducted by researchers based in one of five nations (Norway, UK, France, Portugal, and Spain) and, even though 34% were based on collaborations between scientists from several countries, there was only one study with an acoustic receiver array that extended beyond the borders of a single country. In recent years, acoustic telemetry in European waters has evolved from studying behavioural aspects of animals (82.2%), into more holistic approaches addressing management-related issues (10%), tagging methods and effects (5%), and technology and data analysis development (2.8%). Conclusions: Despite the increasing number of publications and species tracked, there is a prominent lack of planned and structured acoustic telemetry collaborations in Europe. A formal pan-European network structure would promote the development of (1) a research platform that could benefit the acoustic telemetry community through capacity building, (2) a centralized database, and (3) key deployment sites and studies on priority species requiring research in Europe. A network may increase efficiency, expand the scope of research that can be undertaken, promote European science integration, enhance the opportunities and success of acquiring research funding and, ultimately, foster regional and transatlantic collaborations. It may also help address research priorities such as the large-scale societal challenges arising from climate change impacts and assist the EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive via identification of good environmental status of endangered or commercially important species.

Enhancing the Scientific Value of Industry Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in Our Oceans

“…Acoustic telemetry currently appears to be the best approach to understanding megafauna interactions with offshore installations (Figure 2E and Table 1). On a broad scale, deploying acoustic receivers ( Figure 3B) along continental coastlines will greatly extend telemetry networks around the world (Hussey et al, 2015;Abecasis et al, 2018;Hoenner et al, 2018), which is especially important in remote areas. In these areas, there is substantial potential for numerous O&G structures, such as platforms, wells and pipelines to become telemetry nodes and fill in the gaps between larger networks.…”

The need for aquatic tracking networks: the Permanent Belgian Acoustic Receiver Network

“…There is a data policy (see http://www.lifew atch.be/etn) with moratorium rules in place to ensure that (1) data ownership is protected and (2) data becomes open access to the public at large after the moratorium period ended. This data management platform will serve as the central data portal for the European Tracking Network (ETN) [16].…”

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“…; Abecasis et al. ). Coupling fish behavior with timing of insect emergence is one such possibility.…”