Integrated Measurement of Naval Sonar Operations and Precise Cetacean Locations
RC-201304
Objective
The objectives of this project are to integrate: (1) a real-time sonar detector into existing passive acoustic Navy range marine mammal monitoring systems and (2) a FastlocTM Global Positioning System (GPS) into a remotely deployed medium-duration satellite dart tag suitable for attachment to a beaked whale (family Ziphiidae). In combination, these tools will enable the opportunistic medium-term (weeks to months) monitoring of the reaction of cetaceans including sonar-sensitive Blainville’s (Mesoplodon densirostris) and Cuvier’s (Ziphius cavirostris) beaked whales to Mid-Frequency Active (MFA) sonar operations with a high degree of spatial precision not currently available with medium-term satellite tags. The sonar detector when combined with Navy range hydrophones will enable precise documentation of the extent of animal exposure to anthropogenic sound including MFA sonar. These data, which will include precise localizations, measured sonar exposure, and the presence or absence of deep foraging dives before, during, and after sonar exposure, are critically needed inputs for the Population Consequences of Acoustic Disturbance (PCAD) model that is being developed to measure the health of animal populations.
Technology Description
Currently, the Marine Mammal Monitoring on Navy Ranges (M3R) system is being used on the major Navy ranges to detect the presence of animals before, during, and after MFA operations. Time intensive analysis of M3R archives is required to determine the time of occurrence of sonar transmissions. This project will demonstrate an integrated sonar detector that will enable the automatic detection of sonar transmissions. Acquired data will be integrated into cetacean detection archives to provide a continuous record of whale vocalizations and ship sonar transmissions. After combining with range tracking data, a precise record of ship movements and sonar transmissions will be obtained. These data will then be combined with location data for animals tagged with a new, more accurate and precise GPS LIMPET tag that incorporates a FastlocTM GPS to provide detailed data on an animal’s dive behavior and movement.
Benefits
Existing court mandated monitoring depends heavily on expensive and dangerous aerial line transect surveys. For deep divers such as beaked whales, such surveys offer little hope of measuring the response of the animals to operations or of providing long-term estimates of the cumulative effect of repeated sonar exposure. The technologies outlined by this project, in concert with existing programs, will provide a means of quantifying the longer-term reaction of beaked whales to MFA operations. The systems and algorithms are fully compatible with existing Navy Range signal processors. The technology provides monitoring on a continual 24 hour basis and is far less weather dependent than traditional visual line transect methods. With the integration and transitioning of such technology into range operations, these technologies could complement or supplant the need for continued aerial surveys at a significantly lower cost point with no safety risk. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2016)
Symposium & Workshop
FY 2013 New Start Project Selections
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Mr. David Moretti
Naval Undersea Warfare Center
Phone: 401-832-5749
Fax: 401-832-4441
Program Manager
Resource Conservation and Climate Change
SERDP and ESTCP
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.