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Assessing the effectiveness of sound technology at deterring birds from floating oyster aquaculture gear in open water
McCarty, Alexandra
McCarty, Alexandra
Abstract
At Cherrystone Aqua-Farms, we have issues with birds, specifically terns, pelicans, gulls, and cormorants, on our open water floating oyster aquaculture farms during the Spring and Fall migrations. Due to federal laws, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission requires every lease holder to have an operational plan with instituted mitigation measures (visual, physical, audible, or other), but there is no clear guidance or scientific research pointing to which technology is the most effective. Therefore, this project aimed to test the effectiveness of Guardian Technologies Acoustic Deterrence Technology system at deterring birds from open water floating aquaculture. Results indicate that deploying the sound system via boat is a convenient and safe method in our location (Cherrystone Creek), the sound system effectively deterred birds in close proximities (0-40 m), complex wind dynamics (speed, direction, waves absorbing sound) greatly impact the effectiveness of this deterrent method, wind direction significantly impacts roosting location, with birds preferring to roost downwind of the sound, and bird presence was higher at low to moderate wind speeds.
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2025-09-24
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