Validating variation in radio-signal strength as an index of aquatic fauna activity
Jason D. Thiem A B E , Brendan C. Ebner A C and Rhian C. Clear A DA Parks, Conservation and Lands, ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services, GPO Box 158, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
B Present address: Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
C Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia.
D Present address: Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2601, Australia.
E Corresponding author. Email: jthiem@connect.carleton.ca
Australian Journal of Zoology 58(1) 50-55 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO09110
Submitted: 5 November 2009 Accepted: 22 February 2010 Published: 7 April 2010
Abstract
Studying biological rhythms of activity and determining the external factors that influence behaviour of animals can be challenging in many aquatic habitats. We investigated the validity of using variations in radio-signal strength to quantify changes in activity of radio-tagged aquatic fauna on a small spatial scale under controlled conditions in the field. We monitored short-term activity (<1 min) of two aquatic species, rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Murray River crayfish (Euastacus armatus), that differ markedly in their primary mode of movement. Simultaneous video monitoring confirmed that active and inactive periods for both species could be accurately determined by radio-telemetry, as were specific behaviours exhibited by trout. We were also able to quantify activity based on different radio-tag (coil and trailing whip antennas) and receiving antenna configurations (yagi and gap-loop antennas); however, we recommend use of control tags to provide reference data. Variation in radio-signal strength represents a valid means of monitoring activity of moderately site-attached aquatic species.
Acknowledgements
Ben Broadhurst, Mark Jekabsons, Daniel Orwin and Katie Ryan assisted in the field. Staff at Gaden Trout Hatchery provided trout and Andy Cummings (Ecowise) provided environmental data. The Committee for Ethics and Animal Experimentation, University of Canberra, approved this research (authorisation: CEAE05-10). The National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP) provided funding for this research. Ben Broadhurst, Bruno David, Murray Evans, Kevin Frawley and two anonymous reviewers improved the manuscript. The research was conducted in Ngunnawal Country.
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