DURIP A low-power real-time passive acoustic triggering system for autonomous ocean observing technologies
Abstract
Marine mammals, particularly beaked whales, are of concern to the US Navy regarding noise impacts during naval testing and training, and the potential for population-level consequences of disturbance, especially in areas with consistent naval activity. To successfully quantify behavioral responses to noise and short- or long-term impacts, it is essential to understand individuals and their behaviors under natural as well as disturbed circumstances in a dynamic environment. Enhancement of our understanding requires the application of a suite of state-of-the-art technology. Sampling of environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emergent tool currently examined as a method to study marine mammals and their prey. The most advanced instrumentation for autonomous sampling of eDNA is the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP), developed by Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Optical systems can be useful to provide visual confirmation of passive or active acoustic event detections, as well as provide size information for eDNA samples. Sampling capacity is limited for both ESP and camera systems. An externally informed sampling option in addition to established duty cycle approaches would improve the probability for capture of rare or ephemeral events with these instruments. Here we propose to integrate a low-power, real-time passive and active acoustic triggering system into a mooring setup with 3-D passive and active acoustic tracking capabilities for guidance of autonomous ocean observing technologies such as the ESP or optical systems. It is intended to procure components to assemble one acoustic 3-D tracking mooring with triggering and two oceanographic samplers along the mooring line. Short demonstration deployments are planned, with an ESP and optical systems. The proposed instrumentation is designed to gather detailed insights into predator-prey dynamics and associated oceanography in the deep sea. This is accomplished through combined passive acoustic tracking, active acoustic prey measurement, visual recording of prey, and collection of eDNA.-With this broad suite of sensors, we can begin to incorporate ecosystem-based management practices to mitigate noise impacts on marine mammals from naval training.This project summary is publicly releasable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 13, 2025
- Source ID
- N000142512085
Entities
People
- Simone Baumann-Pickering
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, San Diego