Using echoview software to characterise acoustic scattering by aquatic organisms: The case of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Abstract

In a separate presentation, Scoulding et al. describe the rationale and foundation for regular acoustic surveys of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Two key aims of this work were (1) to obtain a good knowledge of the in situ target strength of these weak scatterers, and (2) to settle on a robust and efficient workflow for the processing of mackerel acoustic survey data. To achieve these aims, dedicated mackerel acoustic surveys were carried out in 2012 and 2014 around the Shetland Islands, Scotland, and the data were processed using Echoview software. In this software-focused presentation, we provide details on how the multifrequency single-beam echosounder data were processed, and we discuss this in the context of a general workflow for acoustic data processing that can be considered for any type of echosounder and application. The aim is to provide specific usage examples of some of the powerful features of Echoview and to provide general guidance for those who use o...