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inter-compatible data nodes,” she explained. “An OTN node is ETN’s newest collaboration takes the form of the Strategic In- a replica of OTN’s acoustic telemetry database structure, which frastructure for Improved Animal Tracking in European Seas allows for direct cross-referencing between the data holdings (STRAITS) project. STRAITS aims to “instrument all four cor- of each regional telemetry-sharing community.” As a migration ners of Europe, covering the movements of aquatic life across data repository, the OTNDC aids in the collection, aggregation, some of the most important swimways on the continent,” noted preservation and dissemination of aquatic telemetry—both Kim Birnie-Gauvin, researcher at the Technical University of globally and in collaboration with regional tracking networks. Denmark and science communicator for ETN and STRAITS. One key OTN collaboration is with the Fundy Ocean Research The “four corners” were identi? ed as areas between different

Centre for Energy (FORCE), which is testing instream tidal tur- seas (and thus, management regions) and with varied habitats. bines in the Minas Passage, through which an estimated 70 ? sh The STRAITS infrastructure will consist largely of two com- species travel. “As part of the Fundy Advanced Sensor Technol- ponents—? rst, acoustic receivers to detect tagged ? sh, operat- ogy program,” Samardzic shared, “FORCE provides moorings ing within 63-77 kHz. Secondly, passive acoustic receivers, that monitor current speed and turbulence, ambient noise and like C-PODs and SoundTraps will listen for cetaceans. “C- water quality, as well as host OTN receivers to detect tagged ani- PODs monitor the presence and activity of toothed cetaceans mals.” The implications of this work include assessing the poten- by detecting and analysing trains of echolocation clicks,” ex- tial impact of instream tidal power on the surrounding environ- plained Birnie-Gauvin. “With the help of an automated data ment and the interactions between tidal turbines and marine life. analysis software, C-PODs can identify dolphins, porpoises and echolocating cetaceans (except sperm whales) from quite

Cross-Ocean Collaboration a distance. SoundTraps are underwater sound recorders that

For years, scientists across Europe have been tracking ? sh can listen for sounds made by cetaceans but also noise pollu- to gain insight on behavior and movement patterns, resulting tion, including boating activity, seismic surveys.” in the formation of the European Tracking Network (ETN). “Fish and cetaceans aren’t constrained in their movements —

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South Africa. are suited for a wide variety of oceanographic programs for ofshore renewables and energy sectors. www.marinetechnologynews.com 31

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