PROJECTS
Introduction & Objectives
A cetacean survey using passive-acoustic gliders was conducted in the Mariana Islands Range Complex in support of monitoring requirements. The objectives of the study were to determine what species of toothed whales and baleen whales occur in the MIRC and to examine their spatial and seasonal distribution in offshore areas.
Technical Approach
An autonomous underwater vehicle called the Seaglider was equipped with a custom-designed and custom-built passive acoustic recording system developed by the University of Washington. The glider was capable of diving repeatedly to a depth of 1000 meters and operate for over one month. The glider was programmed to survey across diverse bathymetric features and cetacean habitats whenever possible. The acoustic recorder continuously recorded sounds from 15 Hz to 90 kHz, allowing for identification of sounds from most species with the exception of pygmy and dwarf sperm whales (Kogia species). Each glider also recorded position, standard conductivity, temperature, and depth profiles which were transmitted via Iridium satellite link when surfacing between dives. The acoustic recordings were analyzed once the gliders were recovered for presence of marine mammal species and relative occurrence.
Progress & Results
Two surveys conducted by two gliders each occurred from 19 September to 14 November 2014 and 2 March to 27 April 2015. The 2014 deployments (one instrument malfunction) covered a distance of 833 km and recorded 749 hours of acoustic data. Acoustic encounters included Blainville’s beaked whales, killer whales, Risso’s dolphins, sperm whales, unidentified beaked whale, and unidentified baleen whale. The 2015 deployments covered a distance of 1400 km and recorded 1388 hours of acoustic data. Acoustic encounters included Blainville’s beaked whales, Cross Seamount beaked whales, sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins, delphinids, fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, and unidentified sounds. Navy sonar sounds were also identified.
Project Information
Timeline
2014-2016
Location
Guam, CNMI
Methods
Passive acoustic monitoring on underwater gliders
Conceptual Framework
Performing Organizations
Principal Investigators
Dr. Holger Klinck
Bioacoustics Research Program
Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University
Point of Contacts
Project Manager
Dr. Robert Uyeyama
NAVFAC Pacific
Data, Reports, & Publications
Technical Reports
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Cetacean Studies on the Mariana Islands Range Complex in March–April 2015: Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals Using Gliders.
Klinck et al. 2016.
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted in the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) between 2 March and 27 April 2015 (data collection period: 6 March–7 April 2015). The goal of the project was to investigate the spatial distribution and temporal occurrence of odontocetes and mysticetes in offshore areas east of the Mariana Islands. The survey was essentially an exploration of offshore areas adjacent to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. The areas east of the Mariana Islands are difficult to access and survey, and thus not much is known about the abundance and distribution of cetaceans in these offshore areas. Few dedicated marine mammal surveys have been conducted in these waters to date, and any additional effort improves the understanding and awareness of marine mammal occurrence in MIRC.
Cetacean Studies on the Mariana Islands Range Complex in September-November 2014: Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals Using Gliders - Final Report.
Klinck et al. 2015.
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted in the Mariana Islands Range Complex between 19 September and 14 November 2014. The goal of the project was to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of odontocetes and mysticetes in offshore areas adjacent to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.
Cetacean Studies On The Mariana Islands Range Complex In September-November 2014: Passive Acoustic Monitoring Of Marine Mammals Using Gliders. Final Report (Appendix C).
Klinck et al. 2015.
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
A passive-acoustic glider survey was conducted in the Mariana Islands Range Complex between 19 September and 14 November 2014. The goal of the project was to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of odontocetes and mysticetes in offshore areas adjacent to Guam, Rota, Tinian, and Saipan.
Publications
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A complex baleen whale call recorded in the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument.
Nieukirk, S. L., S. Fregosi, D. K. Mellinger, and H. Klinck. 2016.
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
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Type:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
In fall 2014 and spring 2015, passive acoustic data were collected via autonomous gliders east of Guam in an area that included the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument. A short (2-4 s), complex sound was recorded that features a ∼38 Hz moan with both harmonics and amplitude modulation, followed by broad-frequency metallic-sounding sweeps up to 7.5 kHz. This sound was recorded regularly during both fall and spring surveys. Aurally, the sound is quite unusual and most resembles the minke whale "Star Wars" call. It is likely this sound is biological and produced by a baleen whale.
Presentations
+Associated Projects & Blog Posts
Blog Posts
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