Abstract
An underwater speaker was developed for use as an acoustic deterrent device that transmits acoustic energy through the water omnidirectionally over a broadband frequency range to eliminate marine mammal attacks and to prevent physical damage to the inshore and coastal fishing grounds of Korea. The underwater speaker was constructed of two vibration caps machined from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and a stack of PZ 26 piezoelectric ceramic rings (Ferroperm Piezoceramics A/S) connected mechanically in series and electrically in parallel. The performance characteristics of the underwater speaker were measured and analyzed in an experimental water tank of $5\;m{\times}5\;m{\times}6\;m$. The peak transmitting voltage response (TVR) was measured at 11.16 kHz with 163.45 dB re $1\;{\mu}Pa$/V at 1m. The underwater speaker showed a near omnidirectional beam pattern at the peak TVR resonance frequency. The usable frequency range was 4-25 kHz with a lower TVR limit of approximately 140 dB. We conclude that this underwater speaker could be satisfactorily used as an acoustic deterrent device against marine mammals, particularly the bottlenose dolphin, to protect catches and fishing grounds as well as the mammals themselves, for example, by keeping them away from fishing gear and/or vessels.