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Journal articles
Using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) surveys and image analysis in the study of large surface-associated marine species: a case study on reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus shoaling behaviour
Abstract : A novel image analysis-based technique applied to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) survey data is
described to detect and locate individual free-ranging sharks within aggregations. The method
allows rapid collection of data and quantification of fine-scale swimming and collective patterns
of sharks. We demonstrate the usefulness of this technique in a small-scale case study exploring
the shoaling tendencies of blacktip reef sharks Carcharhinus melanopterus in a large lagoon
within Moorea, French Polynesia. Using our approach, we found that C. melanopterus displayed
increased alignment with shoal companions when distributed over a sandflat where they are
regularly fed for ecotourism purposes as compared with when they shoaled in a deeper adjacent
channel. Our case study highlights the potential of a relatively low-cost method that combines
UAV survey data and image analysis to detect differences in shoaling patterns of free-ranging
sharks in shallow habitats. This approach offers an alternative to current techniques commonly
used in controlled settings that require time-consuming post-processing effort.
https://hal-univ-perp.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01915593
Contributor : Sonja Böttger <>
Submitted on : Wednesday, November 7, 2018 - 5:27:33 PM
Last modification on : Friday, May 21, 2021 - 7:22:03 PM
Contributor : Sonja Böttger <>
Submitted on : Wednesday, November 7, 2018 - 5:27:33 PM
Last modification on : Friday, May 21, 2021 - 7:22:03 PM