Autonomous Floating Acoustic Array and Tags for Cue Rate Estimation

Abstract

LONG-TERM GOALS: Navy has a strong interest in cetacean density estimation using acoustic methods. For that work to be successful, cue rate knowledge for targeted species in the region of interest is essential. Beyond areas where extensive tagging of cetaceans has been conducted, information on cue rate production is typically scarce. If the Navy is to achieve its long term goal of using passive acoustics for density estimation, a more efficient and rapid approach for obtaining cue rates is needed than relying solely on collection of tag data, which is time and effort intensive. The overarching goal of this project was to procure equipment that will facilitate alternative data collection methods that combine visual and acoustic tracking of groups of animals over time, to provide statistics on calling behavior of groups, leading to a cue rate estimate. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this award was to build an autonomous floating acoustic array for cue rate estimation, along with procurement of acoustic tags that can be used in conjunction with this array for enhanced estimates of baleen whale acoustic cue rates.