As a critical tool for modern fishery resource monitoring and assessment, imaging sonar has demonstrated significant potential in fishery resource surveys, fish behavior analysis, and habitat protection. Despite challenges such as environmental complexity, resolution limitations, and large-scale data processing, this technology continues to advance. This paper systematically reviews the progress of imaging sonar technology in fisheries, thoroughly analyzes existing challenges, and envisions future developments. It focuses on multiple application scenarios, including complex and sensitive habitat monitoring, target detection in low-visibility environments, fish behavior analysis, and species population estimation. The paper also comprehensively examines the domestic and international research status of imaging sonar applications in fisheries. Based on this review, it explores future directions for imaging sonar development from several dimensions, such as enhancing resolution, developing automated data processing methods, achieving miniaturization and lightweight design, and promoting integrated design. These advancements aim to facilitate the widespread application of imaging sonar in fisheries and support scientific management and decision-making for fishery resources.
