Beyond distance: Quantifying the interplay of hardware inter-operability and environmental dynamics in acoustic telemetry performance

Bibtex

@misc{7a173271-2bfc-42ad-8949-e27caeb2f59b,
title = "Beyond distance: Quantifying the interplay of hardware inter-operability and environmental dynamics in acoustic telemetry performance",
abstract = "Acoustic telemetry is a cornerstone of aquatic spatial ecology, yet its effectiveness is governed by a complex intersection of hardware specifications and the physical environment. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of how detection range is shaped by the interplay between hardware brands, equipment versions, and transmission protocols, all while operating under fluctuating environmental conditions. To achieve a holistic understanding, we examined how cross-brand compatibility, OP versus R64K protocols, and generations of equipment affect signal reception and data loss across diverse environmental conditions in a regulated shipping canal. System performance is inherently dynamic, and we analyze how varying environmental conditions—such as water flow, ambient noise, boat passage, water depth, etc.—disproportionately impact the detection range. By distilling lessons from experimental setups, we provide a framework for rigorous range testing that accounts for these variables simultaneously rather than in isolation. As telemetry networks expand globally, the uncertainty inherent in signal transmission must be treated as a primary data component rather than a secondary nuisance. By standardizing how we measure and report the performance of varying protocols and brands across fluctuating environments, the scientific community can improve both the reliability of individual studies and the comparability of tracking data across collaborative, inter-operable networks. These advancements ensure that researchers can maximize the ecological insights derived from increasingly complex acoustic data sets. ",
author = "Stijn Bruneel and Pieterjan Verhelst and Eneko Aspillaga and Josep Alos and David Abecasis and Kim Aarestrup and Kim Birnie-Gauvin and Pedro Afonso and Miquel Palmer and David Casals and Lotte Pohl and Robert J. Lennox and jan reubens",
year = "2026",
month = oct,
day = "07",
doi = "",
language = "Nederlands",
publisher = "Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek",
address = "België",
type = "Other"
}

Auteurs