Fish target strengths for use in echo integrator surveys

TLDR

In situ measurements of fish target strength at 38 kHz were used to derive equations relating mean target strength to mean fish length. For physoclists, TS = 20 log l – 67.4, and for clupeoids, TS = 20 log l – 71.9, with variability attributed to species, behavior, and swimbladder state.

Abstract

I n situ measurements of fish target strength are selected for use in echo integrator surveys at 38 kHz. The results are expressed through equations in which the mean target strength TS is regressed on the mean fish length l in centimeters. For physoclists, TS=20 log l−67.4, and for clupeoids, TS=20 log l−71.9. These equations are supported by independent measurements on tethered, caged, and freely aggregating fish and by theoretical computations based on the swimbladder form. Causes of data variability are attributed to differences in species, behavior, and, possibly, swimbladder state.