Underwater Habitat Assessment and Monitoring: BioSonics introduces the X-Series digital scientific echosounder system.

BioSonics introduces the next generation of scientific digital echosounders for research and professional aquatic habitat assessment. Marine and aquatic professionals can now use hydroacoustics to assess aquatic animals, plants and perform bottom classification with a single instrument!

Seattle, October 2, 2002: BioSonics announces the release of the DT-X and DE-X digital echosounder systems for measurement of underwater habitat characteristics. Coupled with BioSonics analysis software, the assessment of fish and other underwater organisms, submersed aquatic vegetation, and bottom surface sediments is now possible using this next-generation scientific echosounder.

Hydroacoustic sampling, for research and environmental assessment, provides several benefits over more traditional assessment and monitoring methodologies. Unlike many other sampling methods, hydroacoustic surveys impart minimal impact on aquatic organisms, their behavior and their habitat. Simple, non-damaging, sound waves provide information on both physical and biological components of the aquatic habitat. Where endangered species and critical habitat are a concern, hydroacoustic sampling constitutes no take".

BioSonics has been a leader in the scientific application of hydroacoustics, in both freshwater and nearshore marine habitats, since 1978. The X-series echosounder incorporates the best of todays technology with the best of BioSonics venerable hydroacoustic hardware and software systems.

The robust DT-X system incorporates an embedded processor, assuring stable sample rates and accurate time stamping of data, and ethernet communication protocol between the echosounder and virtually any computer using the Windows® operating system. The new DT-X is capable of remote or autonomous operation through custom integration of networking hardware and software.

DT-X is made for the field
The new BioSonics echosounders are small, portable and now more weatherproof than ever. The combination of weatherproof surface unit and a field-hardened computer (we suggest the Panasonic Toughbook®), the X-Series can withstand the rigors of virtually any environmental conditions encountered by professionals in the field.

bmcclure@biosonicsinc.com
www.biosonicsinc.com