Passive Acoustic Monitoring

The Marine Corps has two restricted areas in the Pamlico Sound in which they conduct training exercises. We are interested in understanding the daily and seasonal patterns of bottlenose dolphin use of these two ranges. Visual survey techniques are limited by weather, daylight, and training exercises, and thus a more comprehensive picture can be provided with passive acoustic monitoring systems. We used passive acoustic recorders to monitor the two areas for one year, but the main limitation to these devices is that they are archival recorders and thus do not provide information in real time. So, we are now in the process of implementing the next step—to develop and test a prototype for a passive acoustic monitoring system that will allow automated detection of bottlenose dolphin whistles in real time. This prototype will utilize the latest in technology and be capable of sending a text message to a designated cell phone as soon as dolphin whistles are detected. This will allow Marine Corps personnel to determine when dolphins are in the area in real time.

Supported by

For additional information contact: Lynn Williams (lynnee.williams@duke.edu)