DST Fish Ecology Tracking Recorder (CTD Model)
| Origin | Czech Republic |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | DST CTD |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
| Temperature Range | -1 °C to +40 °C |
| Temp Accuracy | ±0.1 °C |
| Temp Resolution | 0.032 °C |
| Depth Range Options | 100 m / 500 m / 1200 m / 3000 m |
| Depth Accuracy | ±0.4 % FS |
| Depth Resolution | 0.03 % FS |
| Conductivity Range | 3–37 mS/cm or 10–50 mS/cm |
| Conductivity Accuracy | ±0.08 mS/cm |
| Dimensions (Ø × L) | 17 mm × 46 mm |
| Weight (Air/Water) | 21 g / 13 g |
| Memory Capacity | 65,374 data sets |
| Communication | RF-based wireless telemetry (no physical interface required) |
Overview
The DST Fish Ecology Tracking Recorder (CTD Model) is a miniaturized, implantable or externally attached bio-logging instrument engineered for long-term, high-fidelity environmental monitoring in aquatic vertebrates. Designed and manufactured in the Czech Republic under strict ISO 13485-aligned quality controls, the device operates on the principle of autonomous, time-synchronized multi-sensor data acquisition—capturing concurrent measurements of water temperature, pressure-derived depth, and electrical conductivity to derive salinity and density profiles. Its core architecture leverages low-power CMOS sensor integration and non-volatile flash memory, enabling deployment durations ranging from weeks to over 12 months depending on sampling interval and memory configuration. Unlike conventional archival tags requiring physical retrieval or wired download, the DST CTD employs proprietary radio-frequency (RF) telemetry that permits full bidirectional communication—including parameter reconfiguration and bulk data offload—without physical contact, battery replacement, or instrument removal. This capability remains fully functional even when the internal lithium primary cell is fully depleted, ensuring zero data loss at end-of-life.
Key Features
- RF-based wireless data transmission and real-time parameter programming—no physical port, no battery dependency for readout
- Multi-parameter CTD sensing suite: calibrated thermistor (±0.1 °C), piezoresistive pressure transducer (with selectable full-scale ranges up to 3000 m), and graphite-electrode conductivity cell (±0.08 mS/cm)
- Compact cylindrical form factor (17 mm Ø × 46 mm L) with neutral buoyancy in seawater (13 g in water), minimizing hydrodynamic drag and behavioral interference
- High-capacity onboard memory (65,374 timestamped records) supporting user-defined sampling intervals from 1 second to 24 hours
- Hermetically sealed titanium or biocompatible polymer housing rated to operational depth limits; compliant with ASTM F2129 for corrosion resistance in marine environments
- Factory-calibrated traceable to NIST-traceable reference standards; calibration certificates provided with each unit
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DST CTD is validated for use in a broad spectrum of aquatic species, including teleost fish (e.g., Atlantic salmon, cod, tuna), elasmobranchs (sharks, rays), marine mammals (seals, dolphins), and large invertebrates (e.g., squid). Its small size and low mass enable minimally invasive surgical implantation or external attachment via dart, harness, or suction cup—protocols aligned with IACUC and EU Directive 2010/63/EU guidelines for animal welfare. All models meet IP68 ingress protection and undergo accelerated life-cycle testing per ISO 14644-1 Class 5 cleanroom assembly protocols. Data integrity complies with GLP requirements for ecological field studies; raw binary files are stored with embedded UTC timestamps, sensor metadata, and CRC-32 checksums to ensure auditability.
Software & Data Management
Data retrieval and configuration are managed via the vendor-supplied DST Studio software suite (Windows/macOS compatible), which supports batch processing, georeferenced CTD profile visualization, and automated derivation of derived parameters—including practical salinity (PSU), potential density (σt), and sound velocity. Export formats include CSV, NetCDF4, and ERDDAP-compliant OPeNDAP endpoints. The software enforces FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails for all configuration changes and data exports—essential for regulatory submissions under NOAA Fisheries or ICES reporting frameworks.
Applications
- Vertical habitat utilization analysis across diel, tidal, and seasonal cycles
- Thermal niche mapping and climate-driven range shift validation
- Salinity-driven migration corridor identification in estuarine and coastal systems
- Bycatch mitigation studies through fine-scale behavior reconstruction near fishing gear
- Baseline environmental profiling for offshore aquaculture site selection and impact assessment
- Integration with satellite telemetry (e.g., Argos, GPS-enabled DST variants) for synoptic oceanographic context
FAQ
Does the DST CTD require line-of-sight for RF data transfer?
No—its sub-1 GHz ISM-band RF link penetrates seawater up to 15 cm and functions reliably through wet fur, blubber, or sediment layers.
Can sampling intervals be modified after deployment?
Yes—via RF command, users may dynamically adjust logging frequency, sensor activation states, or memory allocation without physical access.
Is firmware upgrade supported in situ?
Firmware updates are performed pre-deployment only; field updates are intentionally disabled to preserve data integrity and regulatory compliance.
How is depth accuracy maintained across varying water temperatures and densities?
The pressure sensor is temperature-compensated using on-board thermistor readings, and depth is calculated using the UNESCO International Equation of State of Seawater (EOS-80) algorithm.
Are calibration reports provided with NIST traceability documentation?
Each unit ships with a certificate of calibration listing uncertainty budgets, reference standard IDs, and environmental test conditions—all traceable to Czech Metrology Institute (ČMI) certified references.
