Acoustic identification of isada krill, Euphausia pacifica Hansen, off the Sanriku coast, north-eastern Japan

In this study, the feasibility of identification and abundance estimation of isada krill, Euphausia pacifica , was examined using a two-frequency (38 and 120 kHz) method. The acoustic survey and midwater trawling were conducted off the Sanriku coast, northern part of Honshu, Japan. In one pattern, the SV difference between the two frequencies was large, and in the other, the SV difference was small. These results were interpreted by scattering models, and showed that discrimination between isada krill and walleye pollock was possible.     

Verification of mean volume backscattering strength obtained from acoustic Doppler current profiler by using sound scattering layer

ABSTRACT:   Acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) have recently been used to estimate the dynamic characteristics and biomass of sound scattering layers (SSLs) or swimming speed of fish schools and to analyze SSL spatial distribution or various behavior patterns. This paper shows that it is necessary to verify mean volume backscattering strength (MVBS, dB) values acquired from each beam for quantitative analysis of the spatial distribution or the biomass estimates of such specific targets as SSL or a fish school when using an ADCP. In this study, the SSL was selected to be a homogeneous density layer over a large area and two methods were used to verify the MVBS values from each beam of the ADCP. First, a mutual comparison among four beams was conducted after calculating MVBS from the measured echo intensity. Second, the MVBS values were verified using comparison between the calculated MVBS from the 153.6 kHz ADCP and MVBS from three frequencies of a well-calibrated scientific echosounder. Moreover, the dominant scatterers (euphausiids) were collected by a framed midwater trawl. From these samples, biological data were used to identify the different frequency characteristics between two systems, using a distorted-wave Born approximation (DWBA) theoretical backscattering model in order to assess the averaged target strength and target strength TS differences for the three frequencies.     

黄海太平洋磷虾回波映像识别与资源密度评估

太平洋磷虾是黄海生态系统中浮游动物的关键种。为准确评估太平洋磷虾的资源密度,基于2010年1月黄海渔业资源调查过程中采集的声学和生物学数据,利用SDWBA目标强度理论模型,研究了太平洋磷虾38和120 k Hz目标的回声散射特性,并根据2个频率平均体积散射强度的差值(简称频差技术),开展了太平洋磷虾回波映像识别及资源密度评估研究。结果显示,太平洋磷虾的目标强度与其倾角和体长密切相关;120k Hz的目标强度明显高于38 k Hz,且两个频率的有效平均目标强度之差随着磷虾体长的增加而减小。数据处理结果显示,两个频率回声数据的平均体积散射强度(MVBS)呈线性关系,120 k Hz的MVBS比38 k Hz高约14.1 d B,与理论仿真结果一致;回声散射层内太平洋磷虾的资源密度为1.8~2531.8尾/m3,均值为255.1尾/m3。本研究对利用渔业声学技术开展浮游动物资源评估具有借鉴意义,未来还需要进一步对太平洋磷虾目标强度模型参数及目标识别方法进行完善,以提高其资源密度声学评估的准确度。     

Chemical composition of dried eyeballs from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euphausia superba</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Euphausia pacifica</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   Dried krill eyeballs were obtained from Euphausia superba and Euphausia pacifica by using a patented industry method and their chemical compositions were examined. Crude protein content was 77.7% and 80.8% of the dry matter of E. superba and E. pacifica , respectively. The dominating amino acids in both krill were glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glycine, arginine, leucine and tyrosine. Crude fat content was 10.9% and 5.4% of dry matter of E. superba and E. pacifica , respectively. The main lipid class of the extracted lipids was phospholipids at 88.5% in E. superba and 96.4% in E. pacifica . The dominating fatty acids in both krill were 22:6 ( n- 3), 20:5 ( n- 3), 16:0 and 18:1 ( n- 9). Astaxanthin (3, 3'-dihydroxy-β, β-carotene-4, 4'-dione) content of E. superba and E. pacifica was 566 mg/100 g and 252 mg/100 g of dry matter, respectively. Retinol of E. superba and E. pacifica was 153.0 mg/100 g (510 000 IU/100 g) and 57.6 mg/100 g (192 000 IU/100 g) of dry matter, respectively. The lipophilic extract of E. superba by using n -hexane contained 1923 mg/100 g of astaxanthin at approximately four times higher than the dried eyeballs.     

An investigation of avoidance by Antarctic krill of RRS James Clark Ross using the Autosub-2 autonomous underwater vehicle

The autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Autosub-2 was deployed on eight missions ahead of RRS James Clark Ross in the northern Weddell Sea and in the Bransfield Strait, Southern Ocean, to assess avoidance of the research vessel by Antarctic krill Euphausia superba. The AUV was equipped with the same type of scientific echosounder as the research vessel (Simrad EK500 operating at 38 and 120 kHz) and measured the density of krill along transect acoustically (g m⁻² wet mass) prior to the ship’s arrival. We hypothesised that if krill avoided the ship, perhaps in response to radiated noise, then the ship should detect less krill than the AUV which is known to have much lower noise levels than the ship. We were unable to detect any significant difference between the density of krill detected by the ship or the AUV, either at the transect level or at finer scales within transects. We conclude, therefore, that avoidance by krill of RRS James Clark Ross will not significantly bias acoustic estimates of krill abundance by this vessel.     

Density and sound speed contrasts of the Japanese common squid Todarodes pacificus and their influence on acoustic target strength

ABSTRACT:   In this study, density and sound speed contrasts were measured for the Japanese common squid Todarodes pacificus . Target strength (TS) data derived from an acoustic scattering model based on measurements of these two parameters were compared with TS values based on acoustic measurement data to determine whether the measured parameters are reasonable values for theoretical scattering model. Density contrast ( g ) was measured from the displacement volume and wet weight, while sound speed contrast ( h ) was measured from the acoustic measurements of travel time (time-of-flight method). The Kirchhoff ray mode model, which represents the squid body as a set of fluid-filled cylinders, was used to calculate theoretical TS. Mean g- and h -values of the squid were 1.029 and 1.041, respectively. Comparison with previous data showed that g was similar, whereas h was relatively high. The difference in the TS between the theoretical model using measured parameters and the acoustic measurement was within 3 dB. Thus, the measured g- and h -values are acceptable for theoretical models of squid.     

南极磷虾生物量估算方法

南极磷虾是南大洋生态系统食物网中的关键种,在南大洋中上层生态系统中起着至关重要的连接作用,其资源的养护和持续利用受到国际社会日益关注。磷虾研究已有90多年的历史,其生物量及其分布一直是研究的重点。生物量评估方法也在不断发展,从早期的浮游动物干重法、生产量与生物量比例系数转换法,到网具采样法以及现在流行的声学法,评估手段也变得更为高效。本文通过系统梳理磷虾生物量的主要评估方法,分析其优缺点,并着重从磷虾目标强度模型(TS)参数的海上实测、声学数据中磷虾信号的提取,磷虾单位平方海里声学反射系数(NASC)的计算,基于渔船声学数据修正磷虾渔业单位捕捞努力量渔获量(CPUE),基于渔船声学数据的磷虾集群、洄游和渔场形成机制研究等5个方面对现行生物量声学评估法提出改进建议,提高资源评估的精度,以期为磷虾生物资源的开发与管理提供科学依据。     

基于声学映像的南奥克尼群岛海域南极磷虾集群特征

为确定南奥克尼群岛海域南极磷虾(Euphausia superba)集群特征,本研究根据2017年3-4月我国南极磷虾探捕项目采集的断面声学数据,使用通用声学数据后处理软件,研究了该海域的南极磷虾集群特征信息。本研究共检测并提取了2539个磷虾集群的高度、长度、分布深度、集群间距、集群面积及集群磷虾密度信息,其中白天集群1389个,夜晚集群1150个。通过集群特征值的统计,将该海域集群分为3类。聚类A的虾群密度最大[(19.24±27.00)ind/m~3],聚类B的虾群最深[(174.74±53.30) m],聚类C的虾群面积最大[(2868.62±2149.75) m~2]。聚类A和聚类B的集群长度无显著性差异(P0.05),聚类A和聚类C的集群深度无显著性差异(P0.05)。A类集群主要分布在南奥克尼群岛北部及西北部的深水区,水深1000 m。B类和C类集群在整个调查海域均有分布,其中B类集群多分布在群岛大陆架海域,水深200 m。不同区域的集群分布信息不同,离岛屿最远的东西两个断面集群较少,分布比较分散。本研究结果表明大部分的磷虾个体位于少数的大型集群中,集群磷虾密度和集群间距间存在正相关关系;未来通过磷虾集群与外界因子(环境因子,捕食者)相关性的研究,可以帮助我们更为准确地了解集群结构与形成机制,预测磷虾资源分布。     

Acoustic detection of mesoscale biophysical features in the Shelikof sea valley, and their relevance to pollock larvae in the Gulf of Alaska

Mesoscale features such as fronts and eddies can act to retain larval walleye pollock ( Theragra chalcogramma ) within the continental shelf zone in the western Gulf of Alaska. During two May cruises, we observed unusual patterns of backscattering with a 38 kHz acoustic system. Characteristics of this signal were a strong scattering layer at the surface and in midwater, with the water column between nearly void of sound scattering organisms. This signal appeared in several transects where satellite remote sensing indicated the presence of an eddy. Analysis of concomitant water properties and ADCP (153 kHz) data confirmed the existence of an anomalous physical feature at this location. Biological properties (chlorophyll and zooplankton) showed marked changes across the edge of the feature. Larval pollock densities were estimated to be an order of magnitude higher within this feature compared to those outside. Acoustic backscatter signals can be used to identify and characterize mesoscale biophysical features in the ocean, thereby enabling real-time studies of these features.     

采用声学方法研究2016年秋季布兰斯菲尔德海峡南极磷虾群昼夜垂直移动特征及其影响因素

近年来,南极磷虾渔业过于集中于布兰斯菲尔德海峡,这也使得该海区磷虾资源状况及其生态学特征日益受到关注。南极磷虾群具有较为明显的昼夜垂直移动特征,开展此方面的研究可为探索其渔场形成机制提供基础数据,并为磷虾渔业反馈式管理提供参考。基于磷虾渔船上Simrad EK80记录的相关声学数据,使用Echoview软件判别声学数据中的磷虾群体,对2016年秋季布兰斯菲尔德海峡南极磷虾群昼夜垂直移动特征进行分析,并进一步分析影响磷虾群昼夜垂直移动的因素。结果显示,3月和4月磷虾群深度基本维持在250 m以浅,虾群最大深度出现在日升时分的频次最高（22.9%）,而最浅深度出现在夜间时分的频次最高（36.0%）,同时在日升时分,虾群厚度达到最大值;白天磷虾群多集中在较深水层,夜间会上浮到较浅水层。随着月份的推移,磷虾群平均深度总体呈现加深的趋势。光强和海底深度是影响磷虾群深度变化的2个主要因素。     

Density and sound-speed contrasts,and target strength of Japanese sandeel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ammodytes personatus</Emphasis>

Sound-speed and density contrasts (h and g, respectively), important acoustic material properties, of Japanese sandeel Ammodytes personatus were measured to estimate theoretical target strength (TS). The measured sound-speed contrast of adult fish varied between 1.016 and 1.023 (mean 1.020), and showed temperature dependence. The measured density contrast differed significantly between juvenile and adult. The density contrast of juvenile varied between 1.017 and 1.024 (1.021), and that of adult varied between 1.026 and 1.038 (1.032). Using these results, TS at 38 and 120 kHz in the fishing season were estimated by an empirical sound scattering model. TS of an individual fish varied significantly with change of tilt angle. TS of near-dorsal aspect (TS_max) and tilt-averaged TS (TS_ave) differed by up to 7 dB. At both frequencies, two different TS_ave−length relationships (TS_ave = a log L + b) were obtained for adult and juvenile. The coefficients of log L of adult were close to 20, suggesting that backscattering strength was proportional to square of body length. These values were larger in juvenile (34.0 at 120 kHz, 56.5 at 38 kHz), suggesting that backscattering strength varied drastically with the cube or fifth power of body length.     

南极南奥克尼群岛2017年春季南极磷虾资源声学评估

南极磷虾（Euphausia superba）为南大洋中上层生态系统的关键种,对其生物量的研究有助于更准确地掌握磷虾的生态和分布信息。基于2017年我国南极磷虾声学调查采集的断面回波映像,应用声学回波后处理软件（Echoview）,评估了南奥克尼群岛周边水域的磷虾生物量。该海域磷虾体长范围为25.50~49.21 mm,平均体长为（33.01±4.06）mm;其中雌性平均体长为（33.15±3.90）mm,雄性平均体长为（32.68±4.43）mm,雌、雄磷虾体长无显著性差异。本海域声学映像可分为1338个积分单元,最大单元磷虾密度为554.07 g/m²,最小单元密度值为0 g/m²。调查海域磷虾分布不均匀,87.90%的积分单元无磷虾生物量。磷虾平均密度为71.01 g/m²,总生物量为1.77×10⁶ t,密度差异系数为97.4%。磷虾主要分布在水深<200 m的南奥克尼群岛大陆架海域,群岛东侧磷虾生物量多于西侧。积分单元中磷虾密度大于450 g/m²但小于600 g/m²的有2个,群岛东西两侧各1个;密度值大于300 g/m²但小于450 g/m²的积分单元有6个,5个位于群岛东侧。远离群岛的2个断面（1,9）和调查海域中心的2个断面（5,6）磷虾生物量较少。本海域磷虾的昼夜垂直移动对磷虾生物量评估也无影响。磷虾白天聚集在60~180 m水层,随着时间推移,磷虾逐渐向上或向下移动。光照强度是触发磷虾白天下沉、夜晚上浮的因素之一。     

Interannual spatial variability of krill (Euphausia superba) influences seabird foraging behavior near Elephant Island, Antarctica

We investigate the influence of krill (principally Euphausia superba ) patchiness on the foraging distributions of seabirds to understand how variation in krill influences patch dynamics between krill and birds. At sea-surveys were conducted near Elephant Island, Antarctica, for 3 yr (2004–2006) during the annual U.S. Antarctic Marine Living Resources (AMLR) program. Standardized strip-transect surveys were used to map seabirds, and a combination of acoustic and net surveys was used to map krill. We measured patch size of krill and seabirds and elucidated how krill patch dynamics influence foraging seabirds. The spatial association between krill and predators was influenced by the size and arrangement of krill patches. We found a negative relationship between abundance and patchiness of krill and predators, indicating that when krill is less abundant, its predators are less abundant and concentrated. We conclude that annual patch dynamics of krill strongly influences the local abundance and distribution of seabirds. Such information should be used to interpret potential interactions between seabirds and krill fisheries operating near Elephant Island.     

Meridional patterns in the deep scattering layers and top predator distribution in the central equatorial Pacific

The deep scattering layers (DSL) in the central equatorial Pacific form an important prey resource in a relatively oligotrophic habitat. In March of 2006, we used a calibrated 38‐kHz SIMRAD EK60 scientific sonar to assess the spatial distribution of the deep scattering layer relative to broad‐scale oceanographic features and fine‐scale physical and biological measurements. We conducted a single continuous transect from approximately 10°S to 20°N at 170°W while measuring acoustic backscatter, current velocity and direction, temperature, salinity, oxygen, and fluorescence with depth, coincident with marine mammal occurrence. These data were combined with remotely sensed sea surface height, chlorophyll, and sea surface temperature data to examine patterns in DSL distribution. To analyze DSL density with depth, acoustic backscatter was binned into surface (<200 m), mid (200–550 m) and deep (550–1000 m) layers. Backscatter was highly correlated with chlorophyll‐a and low sea surface height anomalies and was greatest near the equator. We found high diel variability in DSL depth and scattering intensity between the mid and surface layers as well as a shallowing of the deep layer moving northward across the equator. Marine mammal sightings consisted primarily of odontocetes with their distribution coincident with higher acoustic densities of their forage base. Shifts in DSL distribution and scattering intensity are an important component towards understanding the behavior and distribution of highly migratory predator species.     

Acoustic characterization of biological backscatterings in the Kuroshio-Oyashio inter-frontal zone and subarctic waters of the western North Pacific in spring

The acoustic characteristics of biological backscattering in the western North Pacific were studied to verify expert knowledge on species composition in the echosigns. The survey was conducted in the Kuroshio-Oyashio inter-frontal zone and the subarctic waters in April 2003. The species composition of backscatterings was identified by using midwater trawl, Isaacs-Kidd midwater trawl and Bongo net. The differences of mean volume backscattering strengths between 120 and 38 kHz (ΔMVBS₁₂₀₋₃₈) were calculated for the backscatterings. Six types of backscatterings were classified based on the results of net samples and the ΔMVBS₁₂₀₋₃₈. The ΔMVBS₁₂₀₋₃₈ of each group was as follows: copepods 13.7–17.3 dB, krill 11.6–15.3 dB, Japanese anchovy −1.6 to 1.1 dB, a myctophid, Diaphus theta −0.8 dB, sand lance 6.1 dB and larvae and juveniles of pelagic and mesopelagic fish −9.6 to −4.0 dB. The results suggest that biological backscatterings in the Kuroshio-Oyashio inter-frontal zone and subarctic waters of the western North Pacific in spring can be characterized by using ΔMVBS.     

Target strength estimation of black porgy Acanthopagrus schlegeli using acoustic measurements and a scattering model

ABSTRACT:   Black porgy are hatched and released in marine ranching areas in Japan, Korea and Taiwan to maintain fisheries resources in coastal areas. If acoustic methods are used for field surveys, target strength ( TS ) information on the species is needed to convert acoustic data to biomass density. Target strength of black porgy ( Acanthopagrus schlegeli ) 15.5–32.9 cm fork length (nine individuals) was measured at 38 and 120 kHz (split beam) by ex situ measurements (cage and fishhook methods) of living fish, a tethered method with shock-frozen fish, and an acoustic scattering model, the Kirchhoff ray mode (KRM) model based on fish morphology. The ex situ TS -to-fork length ( FL , cm) relationships were TS _38kHz = 20log₁₀ FL  − 64.6 ( r  = 0.77) and TS _120kHz = 20log₁₀ FL  − 65.2 ( r  = 0.70). The values for the KRM model were TS _38kHz = 20log₁₀ FL  − 64.8 ( r  = 0.88) and TS _120kHz = 20log₁₀ FL  − 65.4 ( r  = 0.80). The agreement between the ex situ measurements and the KRM model for the mean TS was very good. In contrast, the results for the tethered method ( TS _38kHz = 20log₁₀ FL  − 69.3 [ r  = 0.42]) differed markedly from the other two methods, perhaps because of the effects of the shock-freezing procedure in air. The results of the ex situ measurements and scattering model provide basic information for studying TS and conducting acoustic surveys of black porgy, even though the tethered method must be modified.     

Patterns of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in the baleen of common minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata from the western North Pacific

ABSTRACT:   Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios were determined in the baleen plates of 17 common minke whales Balaenoptera acutorostrata from the north-western Pacific Ocean off Japan, as well as prey species (krill Euphausia pacifica , Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus and Pacific saury Cololabis saira ) collected in the stomach contents, to investigate the trophic relationship between the minke whales and their prey. A few δ¹⁵N-depleted peaks occurred along the length of baleen plates for 10 males irrespective of stomach content (anchovies and sauries). Similar δ¹⁵N-depleted peaks were also found for one female and two immature individuals. It was likely that these δ¹⁵N-depleted peaks formed in early summer. The stable nitrogen isotope ratio (δ¹⁵N) values in Pacific saury (9.3 ± 1.4‰) did not differ significantly from that in Japanese anchovy (8.8 ± 0.9‰). In contrast, δ¹⁵N in krill (7.2 ± 0.5‰ in July and 8.0 ± 0.2‰ in September) were significantly lower than in the Pacific saury. Thus, these peaks may reflect the dietary change from krill to fishes in the feeding migration of the whales. Growth rate of the baleen plate was estimated to be 129 mm/y, and it appeared that a dietary record of about 1.4 years remained in the baleen plate. For two immature whales, the maximum value of δ¹⁵N occurred at the tip of baleen. This δ¹⁵N enrichment may possibly be useful for discriminating weanlings and older whales.     

Seasonal changes in distribution and abundance of euphausiids in the coastal area of north-eastern Japan

ABSTRACT:   Seasonal changes in distribution and abundance of euphausiids off south-eastern Hokkaido (41°−43°N), Sanriku (38°−41°N), and Joban (36°−38°N) were investigated using cylindrical-conical nets every two months from March 1997 to February 1998. Twenty-six species of seven genera of euphausiids occurred during the survey. Among them, subarctic-transitional Euphausia pacifica was the most abundant throughout the year in coastal waters, as their relative contribution to the total abundance of euphausiids was 89–92%. This species occurred in each coastal water throughout the survey and was abundant from winter to early summer (February–June) off Sanriku and Joban and in autumn in south-eastern Hokkaido. Thysanoessa inspinata occurred off south-eastern Hokkaido and Sanriku throughout the survey, mainly in spring (April) but rarely occurred off Joban. Three other subarctic Thysanoessa species occurred mainly off south-eastern Hokkaido from winter to spring. Conversely, warm- and transitional-water epipelagic species occurred exclusively off Sanriku and Joban in autumn. The characteristics of seasonal distributional patterns of euphausiids are discussed in relation to the spatial and temporal changes of oceanographic conditions and several predators off north-eastern Japan.     

Interannual variation in the availability and utilization of euphausiids as prey for Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) along the south-west coast of Vancouver Island

The species and size composition of euphausiids consumed by Pacific hake ( Merluccius productus ) along the south-west coast of Vancouver Island were monitored during the 1989, 1990 and 1995–97 summer feeding seasons. Thysanoessa spinifera and Euphausia pacifica were the only euphausiid species eaten by hake. Hake persisted in selecting krill longer than 17 mm and consistently preferred T. spinifera, even though there was a substantial reduction in euphausiid abundance, a change in species composition and a shift in the size distribution to smaller individuals after the 1992–93 warm water years. The biomass of euphausiids available to hake after 1993 averaged 27% of that for 1991, the pre-ENSO year, and was 12% of the 1991 value in 1996. Hake predation was not responsible for the reduction in euphausiid abundance, as it was already low at euphausiid sizes smaller than those eaten by hake.     

2017年秋季南奥克尼群岛海域南极大磷虾垂直分布与光照及垂向温盐关系

为了解南极大磷虾(Euphausia superba Dana)行为变化规律,基于2017年3月25日—4月3日在南奥克尼群岛海域43个站位点收集的声学和CTD数据,提取250 m以浅水层南极大磷虾群的深度和对应的温、盐信息,分析不同光照条件下南极大磷虾昼夜垂直分布特征。结果显示:黎明时段(6∶00—8∶00)磷虾群分布较分散,20～60 m(35.72%)和200 m以深(33.65%)虾群相对较多;白天时段(8∶00—16∶00)磷虾群则较多分布在40～120 m(58.52%)水层,多聚集在温跃层(54.55%)和盐跃层(63.64%)内;黄昏时段(16∶00—18∶00),温盐跃层内虾群减少;夜间时段(18∶00—次日6∶00)磷虾群主要分布在20～40 m(49.55%)和180 m以深(31.51%)两个水层,多聚集在温跃层(75%)和盐跃层(70%)外。本研究结果有助于进一步了解南极大磷虾的迁徙规律和资源分布。