Listening to the Reef
I’m developing a new research initiative in the Quintana Roo marine protected areas: a passive acoustic monitoring system, using a series of underwater microphones, so we will be able to listen to, record, and analyze the sounds of fish, crustaceans, cetaceans and other natural sounds. It is exciting to think about having the ability to continually track individual species and biodiversity of the areas, and link patterns to specific events. This data will be of great help in informing managers of the areas about selecting the most appropriate measures to ensure the sustainability of the reef.
Passive acoustic marine monitoring equipment and reliable research methods are already being developed in other parts of the world, especially in Hawaii where NOAA has developed the Ecological Acoustic Recorder – check out http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/cred/ear.php to learn more!
