Biomark InRiver Monitoring Systems
Biomark specializes in the design and construction of stationary monitoring systems for a variety of fisheries applications. Our experienced staff has developed durable, high performance antenna systems that provide valuable data for fishery research with a minimum of maintenance. Biomark antenna designs have evolved from openings measured in inches to openings measured in feet.
Our antennas are currently constructed of highly durable and weather resistant fiberglass or thermo plastic. We have tested different antenna sizes, designs and materials in order to provide monitoring systems that researchers can be confident in. It is our mission to provide products and services that aid customers in achieving their research goals.
The use of PIT-tag monitoring systems allows researchers to obtain data on individual growth, age, timing of movement, detection history and survival without recapture or repeated handling. The small size (12 mm x 2 mm) of full duplex (FDX) PIT-tags allows for the marking of a broad range of population lengths from multiple life history stages including juvenile fish, sub adults and adults. Antenna systems provide continuous, passive sampling allowing natural fish movement.
Biomark’s InRiver monitoring systems are built and installed as complete units including the transceiver (reader), antennas, equipment enclosure, data collection platform and power supply. The list below provides details for each component.
Transceiver- We currently use the Destron Fearing FS1001M Multiplexer for controlling the antennas in our InRiver systems. The transceiver is ISO FDXB compatible and operates at a frequency of 134.2 kHz. The key features of the FS1001M are its ability to auto-tune and power up to six antennas. The multiplexing feature enables monitoring of river cross-sections that are wider than single antennas. The transceiver’s memory can store approximately 6,000 tag codes with date and time stamp.
Enclosure- All electronic equipment is housed in a custom built, heavy-duty lockable metal enclosure. The enclosure houses the transceiver, DC interface, DC-DC converter and optional data storage device. The enclosure is weather resistant, insulated and fan cooled for temperature control.
Data Collection Platform- PIT-tag codes (approximately 6,000 codes) and limited diagnostic information can be stored in the FS1001M buffer. Alternatively, a portable field PC can be connected to the transceiver. Use of a field PC allows for storage of more tag codes and diagnostic information. A field PC is also essential if remote monitoring or data transmission from the site is necessary.
Power Supply- The FS1001M runs on 24 VDC and can be powered by AC or DC. An AC power source is often difficult to come by at typical monitoring location, but does result in a reasonable cost savings if available. At most sites, DC power is supplied using a thermoelectric generator that operates on propane. The generator is used to maintain the charge of the 12 V batteries that provide power to the enclosure box. Depending on the model, 54-watt or 120-watt, the generator consumes approximately 1.5 or 3.0 gal/d of propane, respectively. Accessibility and convenience dictate whether propane is stored in multiple bottles (typically 100 lb bottles) or a single tank (i.e., 500 gal).
Antennas
We currently manufacture four different types of antennas: pass-through, flat plate, crump weir and circular culvert antennas.
Pass-through Antennas- Pass-through antennas resemble a picture frame and are secured in the river in a manner that requires fish to pass-through the antenna opening. Ideally, a single antenna encompasses the entire river, which eliminates the need for vertical members within the river channel. We have installed pass-through antennas ranging from 3.5 feet X 9 feet up to 25 feet X 4 feet. Optimally, PIT-tagged fish are detected throughout the opening of the antenna as well as upstream and downstream of the structure.
Flat Plate Antennas- The flat plate antennas were designed to facilitate installation without requiring attachment to an existing structure. Flat plate antennas can be constructed up to 20 feet in length. Flat plate antennas are installed in a shallow trench in the river, dug with hand tools, minimizing the potential to be displaced by debris or high flow. Fish can be detected up to 18 inches above the antennas in low "noise" environments making this design ideal for fish traveling along the river bottom (i.e., adult salmonids, suckers, sturgeon).
Crump Weir Antennas- Crump weir antennas are similar to flat plate antennas in their being secured to the river bottom. The current weir sections are 6 feet wide, 6 feet long and have a 1-foot peak. An antenna is attached to the underside of the outlet slope making it ideal for detecting upstream moving fishes. Crump weirs perform best where the weir can be installed across the entire width of the river; thus eliminating passage around the weir or excessive scour as water follows a path of least resistance.
Circular Culvert Antennas- Our newest antenna design is a circular antenna designed to be slip fit on an existing culvert or pipe. Current designs range from 1 foot to 5 feet in diameter. We are confident that antennas can be built to monitor passage through larger culverts or pipes.
Systems can be deployed with a single antenna or in multiple antenna configurations. Multiple antennas are used for several reasons: to increase the detection area by deploying multiple antennas across a river or stream, to provide direction of movement of individual fish and to create redundancy of data. Studies involving many tagged subjects passing through a detection area at the same time may require additional antennas in series allowing for increased detection efficiency.
Proposed monitoring sites are typically surveyed for electromagnetic interference (EMI) sources that may affect antenna system performance. Some antenna designs and sizes can be sensitive to vibration, water velocity and levels, and metallic interference. Researchers can count on Biomark personnel to provide experienced recommendations for antenna placement and proper anchoring options.
Biomark has more than 20 years experience with PIT-tag technology. We strive to develop, construct, install and support InRiver monitoring systems that are reliable and trouble free allowing researchers to focus on the data they provide.