Marine Mammal Transmitter for porpoise tracking
Abstract
The Marine Mammal Transmitter (MMT) forms part of the equipment to be used in a worldwide Porpoise Tracking System. Knowledge of porpoise migration, distribution characteristics, and population estimates are needed to aid in protection of the porpoise. A major problem is suffocation of porpoises when they are caught in tuna purse seine fishing nets. Location of the porpoise can be determined to within + or - 5 kilometers. The MMT utilizes low power CMOS integrated circuits in timing and control circuits to extend battery life. The MMT with battery pack is contained in two cylinders which are two inches in diameter and 8.5 inches long. The unit is mounted to the porpoise's dorsal fin with a vertical quarter wave monopole antenna extending from one of the cylinders. A signal from the MMT is transmitted to the Nimbus satellite. From there the information is later transmitted to a ground receiver and a data processing facility.
- Publication:
-
SOUTHEASTCON 1981; Proceedings of the Region 3 Conference and Exhibit
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981ieee.conf..673B
- Keywords:
-
- Marine Technology;
- Nimbus 6 Satellite;
- Performance Tests;
- Porpoises;
- Radio Transmitters;
- Wildlife Radiolocation;
- Block Diagrams;
- Systems Engineering;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking