The sensor system can be constructed to simulate the size and shape of the fish species studied and contains multiple linear arrays of small-scale piezoelectric pressure sensors. The sensors emulate the lateral line system and inner ear of a fish. MS FISH, when placed in an aquatic environment, collects pressure data representative in scale, resolution, and sensitivity to those collected by a live fish's sensory system. The output of the sensors is amplified, recorded, and processed with an associated, dedicated personal computer. Using advanced signal processing, researchers can identify and quantify the different components of the pressure signals.
Subsequent analysis can identify the component which influences specific fish behavior.
In a flume setting, MS FISH was able to detect pressure signals associated with swimming fish, different substrates, and structural features. In its first field application, the MS FISH system was able to identify and locate flow field characteristics and low frequency vibrations in the fish bypass systems at McNary Dam on the Columbia River that probably affect fish passage. Additional patents have been submitted to include a variety of enhancements, such as a tri-axial accelerometer to emulate the ability of fish to sense very small accelerations associated with low frequency sounds or local anomalies in flow fields.