LiEFi (Light-Energy Fish): Using Simple Mechanical Models to Simulate Climatic Changes in Fish Communities

Abstract

There are many different ways to model climatic changes: through computer modeling, idealized simulations, or real-life mechanical models. This project will use a simple fish-like ROV model with an idealized “fish-eye” ,a rear thruster, and a three dimensional accelerometer to simulate the sight ability, energy use, and stability in flow of a pelagic fish in an estuarine environment. This fish, LiEFi, or Light-Energy Fish, will measure the ideal speed and orientation for stability at different flow speeds, as well as direct measurements of spectral reflectance in the red, blue, and green wavelengths at different depths, and ideal fin shape. Information gathered during the design / build / and testing procedure will address key ocean science and technology questions regarding using biomechanical modeling techniques; what worked, what did not, and how to design a process that allows for practical approaches to modeling solutions. The data collected will show the effectiveness of the research vessel in measuring stability, power, and light levels. These data are informative about the energy requirement and efficiency of organisms in any given habitat and how the effects of climate change in estuarine environments affect their behavior. This project exists as a way to show that even simple, innovative modeling techniques based on straightforward means are capable of producing compelling results and providing information on possible future impacts that can be used to manage these environments.