Predation detection fish tracking tag

摘要

A tracking tag for aquatic animals may detect the occurrence of a predation event. The tag may include a pH sensitive material that degrades in the environment of an animal's gut. The degradation of the pH sensitive material causes a change in a detectable characteristic of the tag, which allows the tag to detect the predation event and adjust its operation accordingly.

主权项

1. A tag for tracking an aquatic animal comprising:
a sensor for detecting a characteristic of the tag; a pH sensitive material exposed to an external environment of the tag, the pH sensitive material degrading in the presence of an acidic environment, the degradation of the pH sensitive material causing a detectable change in a characteristic of the tag detected by the sensor; and a transducer for transmitting an ultrasonic signal based on at least the detection of the characteristic of the tag by the sensor, wherein the sensor for detecting the characteristic of the tag comprises a magnetic field sensor capable of sensing a presence or absence of a magnet, wherein the magnet is fastened to the tag by the pH sensitive material such that the magnet is released from the tag when the pH sensitive material degrades in the acidic environment and a change in the presence or absence of the magnet detected by the sensor when the magnet is released provides an indication of a predation event.