Radar Location of Tuna: A Study of the Potential Enhancements to Radars for the Detection of Bird Flock, Logs, and Breezers.

摘要

NraD has been tasked by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center to study how tuna boat radars might be better used or improved for the location of tuna schools. By improving the fisherman's ability to find tuna that are not associated with dolphin, the dolphin mortality problem should be improved-the goal of the National Marine Fisheries Service's Dolphin Safe Program. Of particular interest is extending the detection ranges against bird flocks (that are associated with schooling tuna), and determining the feasibility of detecting breezers and floating debris (i.e., logs). Assumed in this study is that any recommended improvements should not significantly increase the cost to own or operate the radars. In the course of the study on bird detection, we developed a detailed computer based model that allow prediction of radar performance as a function of radar parameters, propagation conditions, and bird flock composition. After reviewing those radar parameters that affect detection range, we concluded that the best way to improve performance against birds is to increase the vertical dimension of the antenna.