Juniper Systems’ Allegro MX™ Selected for Invasive Fish Removal Program

7 Jan 2014

Vernal, UT — Juniper Systems’ Allegro MX™ was recently selected by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) for an invasive fish removal program. One particular DWR field crew used the rugged handheld, loaded with custom fisheries software, to monitor native fish species and remove invasive fish along the Green River, near scenic Dinosaur National Monument in 2013. The story can be read on Juniper Systems’ blog, found here: http://bit.ly/1eCpadD.

The field crew’s work involved what is called boat electrofishing, in which the researchers ride along in a boat with electrodes protruding into the water. The electrodes send out an electrical current, temporarily stunning the fish, which subsequently float to the surface, where they are netted and inspected. The researchers collect data about each fish before either returning it to the water, as in the case of native species, or removing it from the river, in the case of invasive species. This program was implemented because of the detrimental effects invasive fish species can have on local ecosystems.

The Utah DWR field crew previously collected data using pen and paper, but made the switch to the Allegro MX after seeing its numerous benefits, including its full alpha-numeric keyboard which allowed for very rapid, very accurate data entry, as well as its extreme ruggedness, sunlight-readable display, integrated GPS, and RFID compatibility. They even found the Allegro MX could float—an additional bonus. The researchers used the Allegro MX with custom fisheries software, (also available through Juniper Systems) which allowed for custom fields and required entries in order to improve data integrity. They experienced significant improvement with the new data collection process.

According to Joe Skorupski, Native Aquatics Biologist at the Utah DWR, “[The fisheries software] greatly reduced the data entry time to the point where it has already paid for itself. Last year with three people, we took over 200 hours to enter, verify, and manipulate data. This year, it took one person 20 hours and errors were nonexistent due to the software and new data collection process. I could go on and on about all the great improvements due to the handheld and the software.”

The data collected by the field crew will enter a large repository which is used by biologists to assist with management and policy decisions, fish regulations, and fisheries research. Those wanting to learn more about Juniper Systems’ rugged handhelds or custom fisheries software may contact Juniper Systems at sales@junipersys.com.

About Juniper Systems:

Based out of Logan, UT, USA and Birmingham, UK, Juniper Systems designs and manufactures ultra-rugged handheld computers and provides field data collection solutions for use in extreme environments. Since 1993, Juniper Systems has provided innovative mobile technology to natural resources, utilities and public services, geomatics, agriculture, industrial, and military markets. For more information on Juniper Systems products, please visit Junipersys.com