Application of active acoustic technology to assess the target strength of seahorses based on the presence of a reproductive organ

Apdillaha, DonyJaya, IndraManik, Henry MunandarHestirianoto, TotokNofrizal

This study aims to provide reliable information on comparing the target strength (TS) values of seahorses based on the reproductive state. This study was carried out using hydro-acoustic technology in a water tank environment. Data were obtained using the single-beam scientific echo-sounder SIMRAD EK-15 at a frequency of 200 kHz and analyzed via the Sonar-4 software. The measurement result of the TS (mean±S.E.M.) of Hippocampus kuda female, male and pregnant male seahorses were -56.24±0.047, -57.25±0.032, and -58.26±0.06, respectively. There was a significant difference in the mean TS value of H. kuda based on the reproductive state (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the response to the mean TS value of pregnant H. kuda male (the presence of a brood pouch) was lowly significant compared to the female (absence of a brood pouch) (P< 0.05). The results showed a possibility of finding a pregnant H. kuda male in a water column through active acoustic methods in the future.(AU)

1. target strength
2. seahorse
3. reproductive organ
4. Hippocampus kuda