Developments in fish telemetry

Abstract

Freshwater and marine ecosystems continue to be the focus of significant environmental change associated with an expanding human population and a rapidly changing climate. Many organisms within these environments, and fish in particular, are susceptible to increasing pressures, ranging from exploitation to modifications and loss of habitat. In order to manage and conserve these populations and protect biodiversity, these resources must be managed in a sympathetic and responsible manner. One biological tool that is progressively at the cutting edge of aquatic conservation is telemetry, which is increasingly being used by scientists to investigate fundamental aspects of animal biology in order to conserve and manage natural resources. The Sixth Conference on Fish Telemetry held in Europe was organised by the University of Evora and the Institute of Oceanography of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon in June 2005. The Conference attracted 162 delegates from 25 countries stimulating a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving and further promoting technological development and innovation in the field of wildlife telemetry. The Conference provided an excellent forum for scientists and engineers to exchange views and to disseminate information on recent developments in order to support and provide the scientific basis for the sustainable management of aquatic resources. At the conference 74 oral and 56 poster contributions presented, and after review by members of the editorial board, 26 manuscripts were selected for inclusion within these proceedings. The selected papers are organised into four sections: (1) Human Impacts and Fisheries; (2) Migration and Behaviour; (3) Species Conservation and Habitat Rehabilitation; (4) Methodology and New Technology. We would like to thank the support of two institutions for the organization of the Conference, the University of Évora and the Institute of Oceanography (Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon), as well as the sponsorship of Administração do Porto de Sines, Ambassade de France au Portugal, Bacalhôa wines of Portugal, British Council (Portugal), Câmara Municipal de Sesimbra, Direccão-Geral das Pescas e Aquicultura, Fundação Luso-Americana, Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Instituto da Água, Instituto de Turismo de Portugal, Instituto Italiano di Cultura Lisboa, Oceaná rio de Lisboa, and Região de Turismo da Costa Azul. We would also like to thank the members of the Conference Secretariat, Scientific and Organizing Committees, and all the attendees for contributing directly or indirectly to the success of this event. Special thanks go to 68 independent referees for helping to peer-review and select the manuscripts for the proceedings.