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.
Technological developments over two decades have brought acoustic telemetry into mainstream research, enabling biologists to monitor animals at the individual level to investigate many behaviors.
While tracking movement patterns of several reef fish species, the Keys Finfish Research team is evaluating the function of marine reserves throughout the Florida Keys and surrounding waters.
Acoustic telemetry is used to measure impacts of catch-and-release
fishing on goliath grouper and to determine behavior patterns of
this federally protected species.
Biologists implant acoustic tags in adult red drum to determine
habitat use and site fidelity in association with reproduction.
Historically, red drum were thought to move to ocean waters to
spawn. Research in partnership with NASA explores whether estuarine
spawning could be the prevailing strategy for certain populations.
Biologists track the movements of the common snook (Centropomus
undecimalis) from the Banana River No-Take Reserve at Kennedy Space
Center into surrounding fishing areas.
Researchers track the movements of cobia (
Rachycentron canadum) to determine migration patterns and the geographical location of the biological Atlantic and Gulf stock boundary.