Exploring the Unknown: Deploying the First Acoustic Receiver Array on South Africa’s West Coast

Reel Science Co., in partnership with the Acoustic Tracking Array Platform (ATAP), has embarked on a groundbreaking mission to deploy the first acoustic receiver array along South Africa’s West Coast—a major advancement for marine telemetry research in the region.

How are receivers prepared?

An acoustic receiver that will pick up acoustic signals released from acoustic tags on animals. Photo © Michelle Soekoe

Before deployment, each acoustic receiver must be securely placed in a strong, waterproof housing to endure the tough underwater environment. Protective coatings are added to prevent corrosion, and buoys are attached to keep the receiver suspended upright in the water column.

Heavy mooring that the receiver attaches to. Photo © Michelle Soekoe

Each receiver is firmly attached to a mooring line connected to an anchor system, ensuring it stays in position and remains at the exact depth needed.

How are receivers deployed?

The crew embarks on their journey at sea, carefully navigating to each designated deployment site. Upon arrival at each location, the crew members manually push the receivers, each equipped with an anchoring system, over the side of the boat. As the receiver drops into the water, a new coordinate is recorded to mark its precise deployment location, ensuring accurate data tracking and recovery later.

What does the West Coast array look like?

A map of the receiver deployment locations along the west coast. Photo © Michelle Soekoe

Six receivers have been deployed in a two-arc formation, covering the entire bay area between St Helena and Velddrif on South Africa’s West Coast. Positioned at depths ranging from 5 to 12 meters, these receivers will detect any tagged animals entering or leaving the area, as well as track their movements within the bay.