Acoustic Telemetry Research

Telemetry studies conducted at the FWC's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute use underwater acoustic transmitters and receivers to monitor movement patterns and other behaviors of a variety of aquatic animals. Collectively, these studies create an extensive network of receivers, maximizing the space and time over which tagged animals are monitored.

Projects
Biologists use acoustic telemetry in both saltwater and freshwater environments to study an assortment of species, from goliath grouper on deep offshore wrecks to largemouth bass in shallow streams and rivers.

iTAG
Efforts to build a network for Gulf of Mexico scientists tracking aquatic animals began at a 2014 workshop, where more than 50 scientists and vendors worked together to develop an Integrated Tracking of Aquatic Animals in the Gulf of Mexico (iTAG) network. 

Telemetry Publications
Read telemetry articles published by marine fisheries researchers.

FACT Network
The Florida Atlantic Coast Telemetry (FACT) Array is a partnership of over two dozen marine research organizations using passive acoustic telemetry to reveal the behavior of fishes and sea turtles in US South Atlantic, Bahamas, and Caribbean Sea. Our members collectively maintain >850 submerged acoustic receivers that detect movements of animals tagged with acoustic transmitters. To date, the FACT Network researchers have tagged and released > 3,000 individuals from 60 different species. Information from these animals provides unique insights into a species’ habitat preferences, migration patterns, stock mixing, and survival. In addition to advancing our basic knowledge of these species, these results help guide management strategies for species of economic value to our region or those requiring special conservation attention.