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Broadband backscattering from scyphozoan jellyfish.
Rachel E Kahn1, Andone C Lavery1, Annette F Govindarajan2
1Department of Applied Ocean Physics & Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
|May 24, 2023
Summary
This study developed a sound scattering model for jellyfish, crucial for estimating their abundance using acoustics. The model accurately predicts acoustic backscattering, improving ecological surveys of gelatinous zooplankton.
Area of Science:
- Marine biology
- Acoustics
- Zooplankton ecology
Background:
- Gelatinous zooplankton are ecologically significant but poorly surveyed.
- Acoustic methods are underutilized for gelatinous zooplankton abundance and distribution studies.
- Understanding target strength (TS) is key for acoustic surveys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sound scattering model for jellyfish.
- To incorporate organism size, shape, and material properties into the model.
- To validate the model with experimental measurements.
Main Methods:
- Applied the Distorted Wave Born Approximation for sound scattering.
- Created a full three-dimensional shape rendition of jellyfish.
- Conducted broadband acoustic measurements on live scyphomedusa (Chrysaora chesapeakei).
Main Results:
- The model accurately predicted backscattering levels and spectral behavior (<2 dB).
- Experimental TS measurements showed greater variability than predicted by size alone.
- Individual variations in density and sound speed influence acoustic scattering.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides a robust framework for acoustic assessment of jellyfish.
- Acoustic surveys can be enhanced by considering individual organism properties.
- Further research should focus on individual variations in density and sound speed for precise acoustic estimations.
