Anna-Maria Mueller
Anna-Maria holds a Master’s and PhD degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Vienna, Austria, and a postgraduate degree in Environment and Development from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. She worked on fisheries projects at remote sites in Alaska for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game before joining Aquacoustics in 1998. She has over 20 years of experience in fisheries sonar and related GIS work. The main focus of her work has been on data analysis, in particular the development of new methods for analyzing imaging sonar data (DIDSON and ARIS), improved target classification, the automation of analysis tasks in Echoview, sidescan imagery, split-beam data (mobile surveys and stationary), sonic tag data, spatial analysis, mapping and 3D visualization. In addition to analysis work she also provides training and technical support. Following Don’s semi-retirement in 2019, she is now leading the company.
Donald J. Degan
Don is the original founder of the company with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries and a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources (University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point). Before founding Aquacoustics in 1996, he worked as a Fisheries Biologist for the Iowa Conservation Commission and as a Fisheries Scientist for Duke Energy. He has been involved with fisheries acoustics for more than 30 years and has extensive experience in project design, implementation, data analysis and training. He has worked on projects throughout Alaska, the lower 48 states and Canada. His broad experience with fisheries acoustics covers a wide range of technologies, applied to an equally wide range of projects, such as fixed-site monitoring in remote rivers, at hydroelectric projects, navigational locks and dams, as well as mobile surveys in reservoirs, lakes and rivers. After a long and productive career, Don is now semi-retired but still available for consulting on selected projects.