A mobile active acoustic system for measuring baleen whale prey fields to distinguish behavioral responses to military sonar from natural ecological sounds
Abstract
Ongoing and proposed projects representing major DoD investment focus on understanding the behavioral response of cetaceans to acoustic disturbance using controlled exposure experiments. While we have begun to integrate experimental studies of behavior with measurements of the ecological context and basic biology, our readiness and ability to provide a quantitative characterization of prey during controlled exposure experiments within DoD-relevant areas on the U.S. west coast is limited by available research tools. We propose a mobile, ruggedized, active hydroacoustic system that can be available for multiple applications and quickly deployed from small boats for use in coordination with behavioral response studies. The proposed equipment will support the direct, high-resolution measurement of prey that is not possible with existing equipment and infrastructure. These data will increase the statistical power of behavioral response analyses by allowing researchers to distinguish true behavioral responses to acoustic disturbance from natural changes in behavior driven by prey dynamics. This state-of-the-art system will significantly increase the DoD~s return on investment for currently funded research projects by providing essential data sets that bolster behavioral response studies through greater clarification of the energetic consequences of disturbance. Furthermore, this investment will establish new capabilities for DoD research missions in logistically demanding marine environments. The proposed system will enhance research collaboration at multiple partner institutions on the US West Coast. This integrated research system will increase research-related education programs through the training of undergraduate and graduate students, thereby equipping future generations to perform research important to the DoD mission. This abstract is publicly releasable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141612546
Entities
People
- Jeremy A. Goldbogen
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Stanford University
- United States Navy