Abstract: The invention provides a method of preconditioning selected species of fish to associate characteristic acoustic signals with food, thereby to induce the fish to congregate towards a selected location in response to such acoustic signals.

Abstract: An acoustic device for eliciting either attraction or repulsion behavioral responses in fish comprises a water tight enclosure having a radiating surface rigidly supported in one end thereof. Drive means for the radiating surface are provided with the capability of causing the radiating surface to vibrate at its resonant frequencies so that an acoustic signal is generated capable of a peak sound pressure level of at least 0.5 kPa (0 to peak) at a distance of 3 meters from the radiating surface. The signal generated has one fundamental frequency component in the range 20 to 1000 Hz and a plurality of resonant and harmonic frequencies associated with said fundamental frequency. The drive means, radiating surface and enclosure coact to generate an acoustic signal having characteristics such as resonant frequencies, peak pressures and temporal patterns which may be selectively optimized to produce the desired behavioral response.