Cluster Sampling Estimation of the Variance of Abundance Estimates Derived from Quantitative Echo Sounder Surveys

Abstract

Serial correlation in data collected from fisheries acoustic surveys may have an effect on the precision and accuracy of fish abundance estimates. A simple random sample approach to the data analysis yields unreliable confidence intervals for mean population density when the degree of serial correlation in the data is high. The results of a simulation analysis indicate that more reliable confidence intervals can be obtained using cluster sampling estimation techniques.Key words: acoustic surveys, fish abundance estimates, cluster sampling, serial correlation