Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

Tracking Fish and Invertebrates with Acoustic Telemetry

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.

Acoustic Telemetry Tracks Florida Keys Reef Fish

While tracking movement patterns of several reef fish species, the Keys Finfish Research team is evaluating the function of marine reserves throughout the Dry Tortugas National Park and surrounding waters.

Using Telemetry to Monitor Goliath Grouper

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.

Red Drum Spawning Movements off Tampa Bay

Biologists implant acoustic tags in adult red drum to determine habitat use and site fidelity in association with reproduction.

Red Drum Movements in the Indian River Lagoon System

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.

Telemetry Tracks Snook Far From Protected Waters

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.