Publication Abstract

Locating Tuna in the open ocean

P. A. Ekstrom

Fisheries researchers are constantly faced with the challenge of tracking the long-term migration patterns of pelagic animals such as Tuna. This information is critical in understanding the life history and breeding conditions of the animals as well as to develop recommendations on fishing quotas. Unfortunately, Tuna do not spend any significant amount of time at the surface so conventional satellite (GPS or ARGOS) or radio tracking is not possible. A data collection and processing device has been developed by Lotek to determine daily Latitude and Longitude estimations based on observed sunlight levels from onboard a Tuna. This paper will describe the methodology, the device, and some data processing algorithms used to return daily position estimates.

Reference:

P.A. Ekstrom. 2003. Locating Tuna in the open ocean