Acoustic surveys and services

Cefas is at the forefront of developing and applying acoustic survey techniques to improve our understanding and knowledge of marine ecosystems. Our technical expertise covers fisheries assessment and seabed mapping techniques. This is complemented by our track record in fisheries and habitat mapping. We use acoustic technology in combination with ground-truthing techniques to build an interpreted image of the marine environment.

Our research vessel, Cefas Endeavour, is equipped with the latest sonar technology: echo sounders (3 frequencies) for fish abundance estimation and behaviour studies; sonar for monitoring fish distribution and tracking of tagged fish; multi-beam swathe sonar for 3D mapping of the seabed; digital dual frequency side scan sonar for detailed seabed mapping; and hydrographic echo sounders for collecting high quality ground discrimination data. A wide range of ground truthing techniques includes: optical methods (drop down video camera, video sledge and sediment profile camera); quantitative methods (Hamon, Shipek and Day grabs); and qualitative methods (beam trawls).

Our expertise in acoustics is acknowledged by many national and international researchers and organisations. We regularly attend the ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) Habitat Mapping, Benthic Ecology and Fisheries Acoustic Science and Technology Working Groups.

In these pages you will find more details on our expertise and services, the research projects we are involved with and the equipment we use.