FLAGSHIP COURSE · SPRING 2027 · ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND
Practical Echosounder Data Processing
Five days of hands-on training using open-source tools to turn Simrad EK60/EK80 raw data into validated, quantitative outputs.
Work through real datasets, from initial inspection and quality control to feature detection, biomass estimation and reproducible workflows for reporting, modelling and machine learning.
TRAINING COURSES
Practical, specialist training in echosounder data processing, reproducible workflows, modelling and automation. The flagship course uses accessible open-source tools, including KORONA and echopype, while bespoke courses can be tailored to an organisation’s data, software and technical objectives.
Practical Echosounder Data Processing
22–26 March 2027 | St Andrews, Scotland
A five-day, fully hands-on course taking participants from raw Simrad EK60/EK80 echosounder data through quality control, feature extraction, validation, biomass estimation and preparation of outputs for reporting, modelling and machine learning. Participants will use a range of open-source tools, including KORONA, echopype and supporting Python workflows. The emphasis is on understanding and applying complete processing workflows rather than mastering a single software package. Advanced programming experience is not required. Guided examples, reusable templates and AI-assisted coding tools will be used to help participants build, adapt and understand practical workflows.
Course details
When: Monday 22 March to Friday 26 March 2027
Where: St Andrews Sailing Club clubhouse, St Andrews, Scotland
Format: Five consecutive days, in person
Group size: Maximum 14 participants
Student fee: £675
Professional fee: £875
The fee includes five days of tuition, course materials, lunch and daytime refreshments. An optional informal icebreaker will be held on the first evening.
Travel and accommodation are not included and participants should arrange their own accommodation in or around St Andrews.
The course will cover
- Introduction to echosounder analysis, relevant physics, surveys and applications
- Reading, organising and visualising Simrad EK60/EK80 raw data
- Understanding calibration information and core acoustic variables
- Using KORONA, echopype and supporting Python workflows
- Quality control, noise filtering, surface and seabed detection
- Working with difficult datasets and assessing the effect of processing choices
- Detecting fish schools, krill swarms and scattering layers
- Feature extraction and classification
- Estimating abundance and biomass
- Validation and uncertainty
- Exporting structured outputs for reporting, statistical analysis, modelling and machine learning
Who the course is for
The course is aimed at scientists, analysts, consultants, postgraduate researchers and fisheries professionals who collect, process or interpret echosounder data.
Applicants should have some previous experience with echosounder data, fisheries or ecological acoustics, acoustic surveys, or related scientific-data analysis. Advanced programming experience is not required.
Laptop and software requirements
Participants must bring their own laptop and install the required software before attending. Installation instructions will be provided to confirmed participants.
The course will be taught using Windows.
KORONA and Python can also be used on macOS and Linux, but participants using these systems should either have a functioning Windows environment or be comfortable adapting operating-system-specific steps themselves. Reasonable assistance will be provided where possible.
Participants must have permission to install software on their laptop and administrator access where required.
Applications and booking
Places are limited to 14 participants.
Complete the application form below to apply for a place. Submitting an application does not commit you to attend or guarantee a place.
Suitable applicants will be offered a provisional place and asked to provide invoicing details. An invoice will then be issued, normally payable within 30 days. Your place is confirmed once payment has been received.
Future courses
A further course may be offered later in 2027. If you cannot attend the March course, you can register separately to receive information about future Cupar Analytics training courses.
Bespoke Training for Organisations
Training can be developed around an organisation’s own datasets, instruments, software environment and operational objectives. Courses can be delivered at client locations, in St Andrews, remotely or at another agreed venue. Content is tailored to participants’ experience, from introductory users to specialist technical teams.
Data collection and quality assurance
- Vessel-based echosounder and imaging-sonar workflows.
- Survey planning, system configuration and deployment.
- Data-quality assurance and early identification of acquisition problems.
- Practical procedures tailored to specific instruments and survey objectives.
Processing, analysis and automation
- Processing Simrad EK60/EK80 and related acoustic datasets.
- Open-source tools including KORONA, echopype and supporting Python workflows.
- Noise filtering, and bottom detection.
- Acoustic feature extraction and classification.
- Fish-school, krill-swarm and scattering-layer analysis.
- Biomass estimation, validation and uncertainty.
- Reproducible, automated and containerised processing pipelines.
- Statistical modelling, machine learning and operational decision support.
- Guided templates and AI-assisted workflows for participants with limited programming experience.
Format and cost
Course duration, content and technical level are agreed with the client. Training can range from focused one- or two-day workshops to longer practical courses combining instruction, demonstrations and supported hands-on analysis.
Following an initial discussion, Cupar Analytics will provide a proposed course outline, delivery plan and fixed quotation.
COURSE LEADER
Dr Roland Proud is a fisheries-acoustics and marine-data specialist with a PhD in Bioacoustics and Marine Ecology. He has more than 15 years’ experience working with echosounder datasets across academic research, commercial consultancy and applied fisheries projects.
His work combines acoustic data processing, quality control, feature detection, biomass estimation, statistical modelling, machine learning and the development of reproducible processing workflows. He has worked with vessel-based echosounder and imaging-sonar data across international fisheries research, ecosystem monitoring and operational applications.
Roland has organised and delivered international training in fisheries acoustics, R and Python, and has participated in more than ten marine and freshwater research surveys. His published work includes methods for detecting sound-scattering layers and automated classification of fish schools.
Course material will draw on real Simrad EK60/EK80 datasets, practical KORONA processing workflows and challenges encountered across research and commercial projects.
- PhD in Bioacoustics and Marine Ecology
- Founder and CEO of Cupar Analytics Ltd
- More than 15 years’ experience in fisheries acoustics and marine data analysis
- Experience delivering international workshops in fisheries acoustics, R and Python
Apply for Spring 2027 course
Complete the form below to apply for the Practical Echosounder Data Processing course, 22–26 March 2027 in St Andrews. Applications will be reviewed for relevant experience and course suitability. If your application is accepted, you will be offered a provisional place and asked to provide invoicing details. Submitting an application does not commit you to attend or guarantee a place.
By submitting this form, you are asking Cupar Analytics to contact you about the Practical Echosounder Data Processing course, including dates, venue, fees and booking arrangements. You can ask us to stop contacting you at any time. See our Privacy Policy for details.