In the framework of the assessment of the effects of the operation of a sea farm (combined aquaculture) on small cetaceans, the RBINS uses Passive Acoustic Monitoring Devices: porpoise detectors (C-PoDs). Data obtained provide an indication of the presence of harbor porpoises in the vicinity of the device, up to a distance of approximately 300 m. Data obtained from one PoD can give an indication of presence/absence of porpoises, and can be compared to data obtained from PoDs moored at other locations – as such, the presence of porpoise in and near the sea farm area can be compared to the presence of porpoises in reference areas as well as compared throughout the year.
In the context of this project fish detectors are used as acoustic releases for our tripod mooring system containing the pods.