Updated on October 22, 2002

A Robotic Boat for Autonomous Fish Tracking
                 MTS Journal Vol 32, No. 1 p. 47-53 (by Clifford A. Goudey et al)

This article is about a development of a small robotic system that will reduce the cost of gathering data on the movement of large fish and marine mammals. This trakcing system is contained in a 10', low-cost kayak hull and includes subsystems that allow for its autonomous operation while following a tagged, swimming animal.

• an acoustic transducer is the prime mission sensor
• GPS receiver for navigation
• 24 hours enduracne which will allow the gathering of tracking data for a full-day cycle
• minimum platform size is desired to allow for ease of handling for smaller, more economical tagging platforms. Therefore, size: 10' - long, bean of 27'', weight of 34 lbs (and a payload capacity of 220 lbs)

small kayak hull: good candidate for the sahpe of the system since it is duarble and efficient

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