About
FISHBIO is a full-service fisheries and environmental consulting company founded in 2009, with offices in California and active projects throughout Southeast Asia's Lower Mekong Basin. Their team of fisheries scientists, engineers, and technicians delivers integrated solutions across five core service areas: research, monitoring, conservation, fabrication, and science communication. On the technology side, FISHBIO leverages an impressive toolkit including acoustic tracking, PIT tags and custom antenna systems, ARIS/DIDSON hydroacoustic imaging, drones and custom camera systems, rotary screw traps, fyke traps, fish weirs, electrofishing gear, and eDNA molecular sampling for species detection and genetic analysis. Their in-house Fish Lab supports aquarium and tank-based equipment and behavioral studies. In North America, FISHBIO supports long-term fisheries projects from California's Central Valley to the Central Coast and across the broader United States and Canada. In Southeast Asia, projects span freshwater fisheries monitoring, community-based fisheries management, conservation, and capacity building. Beyond fieldwork, FISHBIO produces peer-reviewed journal publications, professionally produced multimedia content, and The Fish Report — a widely read weekly email newsletter curating the latest fisheries research and news. They are a trusted partner for government agencies, environmental NGOs, water utilities, and private industry seeking science-based fisheries and wildlife management solutions.
Key Features
- Advanced Fish Tracking & Telemetry: Deploys acoustic tracking, PIT tags, and custom antenna arrays to monitor fish movement, migration, and behavior in complex aquatic environments.
- Hydroacoustic & Imaging Technology: Utilizes ARIS/DIDSON sonar, Riverwatcher systems, Smolt Spy cameras, and UAV drones to count and characterize fish populations non-invasively.
- Molecular & eDNA Analysis: Provides sample collection and analysis for genetic studies and environmental DNA (eDNA) species detection to assess biodiversity and population health.
- Long-Term Monitoring Programs: Designs and manages multi-year fisheries monitoring projects, including rotary screw trap operations, fish weirs, and electrofishing surveys.
- Science Communication & Publications: Produces peer-reviewed journal articles, multimedia documentaries, and The Fish Report newsletter to translate research into accessible knowledge.
Use Cases
- Long-term salmon and steelhead monitoring programs using rotary screw traps and PIT tag arrays in California rivers and tributaries.
- Community-based freshwater fisheries management and conservation capacity building in the Lower Mekong Basin countries.
- eDNA-based species detection surveys to assess the presence of rare, endangered, or invasive fish species in water bodies.
- Hydroacoustic fish passage assessments at dams and water diversion structures using ARIS/DIDSON sonar technology.
- Scientific communication and peer-reviewed publication of long-term monitoring datasets for regulatory compliance and resource management planning.
Pros
- Multidisciplinary Expertise: Combines biology, engineering, molecular science, and communications under one roof, enabling end-to-end project delivery without multiple vendors.
- Proven Technology Stack: In-house fabrication and a proprietary suite of tracking, imaging, and trapping technologies give FISHBIO a competitive edge in data quality and customization.
- Global Reach with Local Knowledge: Active in both North American and Southeast Asian fisheries, providing clients with international expertise and cross-regional comparative insights.
Cons
- Consulting Costs: As a full-service consulting firm, project costs can be significant, making it less accessible for small organizations or local governments with limited budgets.
- Niche Focus: Services are highly specialized in aquatic and fisheries science, limiting applicability for clients with broader terrestrial or multi-ecosystem needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of clients does FISHBIO serve?
FISHBIO works with a broad range of clients including government agencies, water utilities, NGOs, tribal organizations, and private industry stakeholders who require fisheries research, monitoring, or conservation services.
Where does FISHBIO operate?
FISHBIO has offices in California and operates throughout North America, including the United States and Canada, as well as Southeast Asia with projects spanning the Lower Mekong Basin.
What technologies does FISHBIO use for fish monitoring?
FISHBIO employs acoustic telemetry, PIT tags, ARIS/DIDSON hydroacoustic cameras, drones, rotary screw traps, electrofishing, eDNA sampling, and custom-fabricated imaging and trapping systems.
Does FISHBIO conduct molecular and genetic analysis?
Yes, FISHBIO provides sample collection and laboratory support for genetic studies and environmental DNA (eDNA) species detection to assess population structure, diversity, and presence/absence of target species.
What is The Fish Report?
The Fish Report is FISHBIO's free weekly email newsletter that highlights recent fisheries research, company news, and curated stories from the broader fisheries and conservation science community.
