A fish detection and classification system

In the field of marine biology, determining the presence and quantities of different types of fish is traditionally done by dragging nets across the bottom, and counting that which is found in the nets. This method, although accurate, kills the collected fish, damages the habitat, and consumes large quantities of time. This paper presents an alternative. A machine vision system is capable of counting and measuring fish in an ocean environment. Illumination presents a unique problem in this environment. Object orientation and measurement are related and resolved issues. An adaptive thresholding technique is required to appropriately segment the fish from the background in the images. Mode detection, and histogram analysis are useful tools in determining these localized thresholds. This system, created in conjunction with the Rutgers Institute for Marine and Coastal Science, effectively counts and measures fish in an estuarine environment.