Cetacean Density Estimation from Novel Acoustic Datasets by Acoustic Propagation Modeling.

摘要

This project s long-term goal is the application and refinement of population density estimation methods based on detections of marine mammal vocalizations combined with propagation modeling. The density estimation method is applied to a novel acoustic data set, collected by a single hydrophone, to estimate the population density of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) off of the Kona coast of the Island of Hawai i. The objectives of this research are to apply existing methods for cetacean density estimation from passive acoustic recordings to novel data sets and cetacean species, as well as refine the existing techniques in order to develop a more generalized model that can be applied to many species in different environmental scenarios. The chosen study area is well suited to the development of techniques that incorporate accurate modeling of sound propagation due to the complexities of its environment. Moreover, the target species chosen for the proposed work, the false killer whale, suffers from interaction with the fisheries industry and its population has been reported to have declined in the past 20 years. Studies of abundance estimate of false killer whales in Hawai i through mark recapture methods will provide comparable results to the ones obtained by this project. The ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of population density estimation methodologies that will be readily available to those involved in marine mammal research, monitoring, and mitigation.