A technique is presented for rapid detection of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) using a high-frequency, high-resolution digital echo sounder linked with global positioning system equipment. The acoustic reflectivity of SAV allows for detection and explicit measurement of canopy geometry using a digital signal processing algorithm described here. Comparing output data from this system with physical measurements shows good detection and measurement performance over a wide range of conditions for freshwater tape grass (Vallisneria americana) and seagrasses (Thalassia testudinum, Halodule wrightii, and Syringodium filiforme) in a sandy-bottom, south Florida estuary. The range of environmental conditions for which the system can be used is defined. Based on these measured performance data and a review of existing literature, this system appears to flu a gap in the inventory of established methods for measuring the distribution and abundance of submersed macrophytes.
CITATION STYLE
Sabol, B. M., Eddie Melton, R., Chamberlain, R., Doering, P., & Haunert, K. (2002). Evaluation of a digital echo sounder system for detection of submersed aquatic vegetation. Estuaries, 25(1), 133–141. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02696057
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