Objectives and Scope Acoustics has been used extensively for observation and measurement in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Scales of study extend from a few centimetres to hundred of kilometres, and from individual organisms to entire populations of fish or plankton.
Acoustics provides a means to obtain continuous observation and assessment of underwater resources.
There are many common problems and requirements in the use of underwater acoustics for aquatic studies. This Symposium will provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of a wide range of topics relevant to the use of acoustics for the study of fish, shellfish, micro-nekton, and plankton. This will be the fourth in a series of Symposia on acoustics sponsored by ICES, with previous ones being held in Bergen in 1972 and 1982 and in Seattle in 1987. The 1995 Symposium will review and discuss the developments in technology and understanding of acoustic methods in the aquatic environment. Particular emphasis will be on improvements in techniques, development of technology, assessment of current problems, and identification or future directions for study.