TAST began through research by world-renowned scientists, Thomas Götz, Vincent M Janik, at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, UK. Many years of trial and error uncovered new applications for the little studied auditory “startle reflex” in marine mammals.
Götz & Janik (2010)
Many years of study uncovered new applications for the little-studied auditory “startle reflex” in marine mammals, which caused sensitization in seals and caused them to avoid known food sources in favor of staying away from the sound.
Götz & Janik (2011)
TAST was recognized as an alternative to conventional ADDs that solved many of the problems with this original technology, including habituation, noise pollution, and hearing damage to target species.
Götz & Janik (2013)
The use of acoustic startle technology for mammals is patented by Thomas Götz and Vincent M Janik.
Further research with TAST finds that the target startle response can be highly specific depending on signal frequency and target species hearing sensitivity. Scientists were able to selectively deter seals without affecting harbor porpoises also in the study area.
Götz & Janik (2015)
TAST is explored as a way to protect prey from predators. When implemented on an aquaculture facility over a full production cycle, it showed reductions in seal predation by over 90%.
Götz & Janik (2016)
Onsite research at Ballard Locks and Whatcom Creek. Applications explored for predation reduction on endangered salmonids in the Pacific Northwest. Studies saw 45-77% reductions in predations when carefully implemented at pinch points to migration.
Williams et al. (2020)
The startle reflex is explored in toothed whales and dolphins. Research showed that by using a different signal, these species react with similar aversive behavior as seen in pinnipeds.
Götz et al. (2020)
Further study in handline and gillnet fishery applications for pinniped predation. Research showed a 97% decrease in predation, increased fishing time as a result of fewer seal disruptions, and a 74% increase in catch.
Whyte et al. (2020)
The startle reflex is explored in harbour porpoise. Research showed that by using a different signal, these species react with similar aversive behavior as seen in pinnipeds.
Hiley, Janik, & Götz (2021)
Lessons are learned about launching effective TAST deployments in riverine systems.
Williams et al. (2021)
The startle reflex is explored in orcas and humpback whales. Research showed that by using a different signal, killer whales react with similar aversive behavior as seen in pinnipeds. More research is needed to assess humpback whale response.
Langstein (2023)
This study examined predation of individual seals on endangered salmonids. Researchers modeled a 43.8% reduction in overall foraging success when TAST was in use.
McKeegan et al. (2024)
Researchers from the Republic of Ireland confirmed target specificity of TAST devices tuned for a pinniped-fishery conflict application. This report also recommended that, “…regulatory frameworks consider options to use combined (TAST) devices that prevent lethal bycatch of delphinids and porpoise, while also preventing depredation by phocid seals.”
Cox et al. (2024)
In October 2024, GenusWave and the University of St Andrews were honoured with the Global Seafood Alliance’s Responsible Fisheries Innovation Award. This recognition reflects our dedication to innovation and sustainability, and highlights the effort, creativity, and teamwork of many collaborators who have been vital in developing this technology.
In a test at sea with an inshore static net fishery in England, researchers found a 74 % increase in catch weight in test nets compared to controls.
Walmsley et al. (2025)
The startle reflex is optimized for killer whales during trials in a purse seine fishery. With a different signal than is used for pinnipeds, researchers achieved a 92% reduction in orca activity within 40-50 meters of the device.
Tenningen et al. (2025)
This study found a manually triggered TAST system to be 100% effective at preventing seals from moving upriver in the River North Esk (Scotland, UK). In all observed trials, every seal exposed to the TAST device in the trigger zone turned back and did not continue upriver, compared to a 96% upriver passage rate in the absence of the TAST system.
Harris et al. (2025)
