Acoustic telemetry

Understanding the movement patterns of a fish species is essential for gaining insights into its biology. For a species like lake whitefish, which holds both ecological and cultural significance and is subject to harvesting, knowledge about its movement patterns is crucial for effective fisheries management.

The acoustic telemetry system, a key tool in this project, comprises two main components: transmitters and receivers. Electronic transmitters, surgically implanted into the fish of interest, emit "pings" or sound pulses into the water. These tagged fish are then released into their natural habitat. Receivers, positioned at various locations on the lake bottom, "listen" for these tagged fish as they swim past. Periodically, these receivers are retrieved, and the recorded information is downloaded for scientific analysis.

Using acoustic telemetry, this project aims to monitor the lake-wide movements of lake whitefish and lake trout. The data will provide valuable insights into home range size and seasonal movements of different populations. Notably, this initiative marks the first large-scale implementation of an acoustic telemetry project in Lake Huron. The establishment and maintenance of this array and fish tagging is being carried out by the Together With Giigoonyag team with support from Saugeen Ojibway Nation fish harvesters. The collaboration extends beyond the immediate project, as the established telemetry array sets the foundation for future endeavors tracking the movements of various species in Lake Huron. Encouraging broader collaboration, this effort contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem and supports management practices.