Integrating ambient sound into the Northeast ocean observing system
Abstract
Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) and data analysis have played a key role in efforts to understand the abundance, distribution, and behavior of endangered marine mammals and to develop and implement conservation measures. This is a critical application of PAM, but only scratches the surface of what ambient sound can tell us about ocean ecosystems and anthropogenic impacts. This project represents a timely opportunity to more fully develop and utilize PAM systems for research, operations, and education, particularly in the context of climate change. Working toward these objectives within the broader Northeast ocean observing system will bring the practical benefits of the administrative and coordination architecture in place at NERACOOS, and the scientific benefits of integrating sound-based models and metrics with other environmental variables. Indeed, The NERACOOS 2021-2026 five-year proposal to the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) includes as-yet-unfunded work to expand PAM, develop soundscape baselines, and integrate soundinto data systems, objectives echoed in our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. This project will enable us to address identified priorities for evolving the regional observing system.Our objectives for this proposal mirror those discussed with bioacoustics experts workingwithin the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) and outlined in a planning document developed by those experts. These include:1.Coordinating project collaborators, the development of data metrics and data flow, and engagement with Tribal, federal, state, academic, and private sector partners.2.Building community among ocean observing practitioners, ocean sound experts, and end-users in order to improve the linkages among data, models, products, and applications as the system evolves.3.Integrating sound data into the regional ocean observing system by organizing relevant experts to develop consensus on priority questions and metrics; managing analytical and modeling work needed to produce indicators; and creating and managing data products that deliver those indicatorsto interested users.4.Conducting broader outreach and education activities in order to expand public awareness of the role of soundin ecological understanding and decision-making.5.Facilitating the ongoing co-design of the Gulf of Maine Ambient Sound Network such that spatial and temporal scope of observations increase through time, tied to clear understanding of end-user needs and fed into valued products.This is an ambitious and expansive project that adopts a true systems-scale perspective spanning observations, analysis and modeling, product development, end-user engagement, and broad public education. Cumulatively, this project will significantly advance the Department of Defense#s understanding of the ocean soundscape, as well as expand operational coverage through a coordinated network of monitoring stations. Accordingly, its success will rely upon support from a variety of partners, especially NOPP partner agencies, consistent with the philosophy of the NOPP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 11, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312805
Entities
People
- Jacob Kritzer
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy