Ecological inferences about marine mammals from passive acoustic data.
Biological Reviews. 2023.
98:1633–1647
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- May 4, 2023
Monitoring on the basis of sound recordings, or passive acoustic monitoring, can complement or serve as an alternative to real-time visual or aural monitoring of marine mammals and other animals by human observers. Passive acoustic data can support the estimation of common, individual-level ecological metrics, such as presence, detection-weighted occupancy, abundance and density, population viability and structure, and behaviour. Passive acoustic data also can support estimation of some community-level metrics, such as species richness and composition. The feasibility of estimation and certainty of estimates is highly context dependent, and understanding the factors that affect the reliability of measurements is useful for those considering whether to use passive acoustic data. Here, we review basic concepts and methods of passive acoustic sampling in marine systems that often are applicable to marine mammal research and conservation. Our ultimate aim is to facilitate collaboration among ecologists, bioacousticians, and data analysts.
Complete
Aerial Surveys of Marine Mammals Conducted in the Inland Puget Sound Waters of Washington, summer 2013 – winter 2016
Project Objectives
1) Conduct aerial surveys during four seasonal periods within the inland Puget Sound Survey Area to assess potential differences in seasonal distribution, numbers, and behavioral state patterns of marine mammals; 2) Collect data to estimate densities of marine mammals in the inland Puget Sound waters for species with sufficient sightings; 3) Estimate abundance for each marine mammal species seen an adequate number of times; 4) Document the distribution and habitat use of each species observed; 5) Document and describe behaviors seen without performing focal follows.
Current
Marine Mammal Sightings During CalCOFI Cruises
Project Objectives
Determine what species and populations of marine mammals are present in Southern California and estimate the abundance and density across seasons
Complete
Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals in the Gulf of Alaska
Project Objectives
Determine the spatial distribution and occurrence of beaked whales, other odontocetes, and baleen whales in offshore areas using bottom-mounted passive acoustic recorders and deep-diving autonomous gliders
Western gray whale detections in western Pacific
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Gray whale vocalizations are well-known and have been detected on mobile U.S. Navy passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) systems for decades. Gray whales produce highly variable and complex signals. Given some historical and conservation interest in the overall distribution and migratory patterns and behaviors of gray whales in the north Pacific, the Navy has conducted systematic monitoring for the calls of gray whales in times and areas that would inform species distribution patterns.
