Underwater acoustic monitoring of regulatory fish criteria within a high flow environment

Abstract

Underwater acoustic monitoring addressed at assessing compliance with regulatory fish criteria, was performed in the Kennebec river. The acoustic criteria was based on sound pressure levels, although particle velocity is also an area of increasing concern. The velocity and direction shifts of the strong currents created unique challenges in the study design, deployment and data processing of hydroacoustic monitoring equipment. Both floating and static systems were needed to capture sound pressure levels at multiple river locations.