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Aquamark

The AQUAmark 200 is a 'Beacon Mode' acoustic deterrent, based on technology developed by the Underwater Acoustic Research Group at Loughborough University, England, and manufactured under license by Aquatec Subsea Limited. Like the AQUAmark 100, which is targeted at the harbour porpoise, its primary application is to reduce the unintentional catch of small cetaceans in commercial fisheries. This device has been configured with lower frequency signals to target other cetaceans including dolphins and killer whales.

The AQUAmark 200 comprises a battery, microprocessor-controlled electronics, acoustic transducers, and an immersion switch. When it is fully immersed in water, it begins to transmit eight different wideband frequency modulated waveforms, each 200-300ms long, with harmonic energy in the 5kHz to 160kHz band. A pseudo-random interval between transmissions is designed to minimise the risk of habituation, while maintaining a sufficiently large distance between the porpoise and the deterrent. Acoustic testing equipment allows the pinger battery level to be assessed. When the battery is exhausted, the whole unit should be returned for recycling and discount on further devices.

AQUAmark is a trademark of Aquatec Subsea Limited. PICE is a trademark of Loughborough University. All other trademarks & registered trademarks are acknowledged. Aquatec reserves the right to make changes to the specifications contained in this document without notice in the interests of maintaining or improving product quality. Technical data courtesy of Loughborough University. For other marine mammal species, contact Aquatec for details of trials. All text and images ©1999, 2000 copyright Aquatec Subsea Limited, except porpoise images ©1999 A D Goodson. E & OE.