Development of Acoustic Techniques for application to pelagic and other marine species fisheries

The DETAC research group aims to conduct an integrated study of the pelagic communities of the continental shelf of the Spanish Mediterranean, under an ecosystem approach. This is carried out through the use of scientific echo sounders operating at multiple frequencies together with the taking of biological samples (fish, plankton, krill, juveniles...) for the interpretation of acoustic data. The GI DETAC is entrusted, by the Secretaria General de Pesca (MAPA), with the direct evaluation of the populations of small marine pelagics of commercial interest, anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) and sardines (Sardina pilchardus) in the Spanish Mediterranean. Therefore, the GI has two main functions, research and advice to the Public Administration, giving its scientific production a response to society's challenges regarding the sustainability of fish populations.