Development of Eider Ducks Electronic Monitoring and Mitigation Technology to Avoid Predation on Mussel Lines

Summary:
The purpose of this project was to design and develop a system based on unified communications (UC) technology to be employed as a non destructive monitoring method for predatory ducks (mainly Eider ducks). UC technology uses instant messaging, email, voice mail, web conferencing, fax, audio, video, cell phones and/or other applications blended into a single system linked to sensors to immediately inform the employees of any changes that may compromise the production at the farm. This project investigated the requirements, evaluated current concepts and created functional prototypes to determine the effectiveness of duck detection on a mussel farm with UC technology. Five prototypes were evaluated, three were subjected to limited testing on the mussel farm and one was chosen as the most promising method to detect ducks.

The underwater acoustic sensor was deemed the best method to move forward to a potential second phase of development. This low-power cost-effective device has the ability to capture duck noises in a small area and relay qualified positive detections wirelessly to a handheld device (cell phone, computer, etc) or a predetermined deterrent mechanism. With the sensor just under the water, the system is less susceptible to surface wave action, adverse weather conditions or ice-flow damage and can remain covered from ducks or vandals.

There are more tests and refinements that can be performed with the underwater acoustic sensor system. About twelve algorithms for the sensor were created ranging in sensitivity. With further testing the selection of algorithm could be refined to detect a flock of ducks with certainty with low number of false detections or detect a single duck with higher probability of positive detections. Implementation of the sensor platform into a smaller covered self-powering buoy system would also be an asset to the program.

Project Lead: Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia (AANS)

Total Project Cost: $47,391
           
DFO-AIMAP Contribution: $17,950

Other Financial Support:

• Recipient and Industry Members: Aquaculture Association of Nova Scotia, AANS
• Provincial Government: Nova - Scotia Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, NSDFA

For more information please contact the regional coordinator.

Maritimes Region: Cindy.Webster@dfo-mpo.gc.ca