Opportunistic Acoustic Telemetry Platforms: Benefits of Collaboration in the Gulf of Maine

Biologists monitor animal behavior, habitat use, and survival through local telemetry projects. Migratory species cross these lines, connecting projects. Biologists can further these connections by expanding the area monitored, but this step is expensive. We evaluated three opportunistic platforms: (1) oceanographic buoys, (2) commercial fishing gear, and (3) drifters to test the feasibility of expanding coverage while minimizing costs. All Gulf of Maine platforms provided novel data, generating over 15,000 detections from animals released by 18 organizations. Performance was strong for buoys and commercial gear but low recovery hampered drifter utility, although advances in real-time drifter communication should improve future efficacy. Opportunistic platforms proved to be a low-cost method that can benefit researchers across aquatic systems. Animals from other studies connected us with researchers, fostered dialogue, and highlighted information gains from data sharing. Working with fishers and oceanographers also strengthens interdisciplinary and stakeholder communication and can increase overall public understanding and support.