AI and Acoustic Monitoring: Smarter Oceans Start Here

Underwater environments generate an endless stream of sound data, from marine animals to human activity. Making sense of this complex soundscape requires advanced tools. One powerful approach combines artificial intelligence (AI) with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM).

Why Pair AI with PAM?

Passive acoustic monitoring systems generate massive amounts of audio data. Sorting through it manually can take months. AI changes the game by analyzing and classifying sounds in real time.

Underwater environments

How AI Enhances Acoustic Monitoring

  • Automatic Species Detection: AI models can identify species by their vocalizations, even distinguishing between similar-sounding animals.
  • Noise Pollution Mapping: AI pinpoints sources of human-made noise, helping researchers mitigate its effects on marine life.
  • Faster Insights: what once took weeks to analyze can now be done in hours.
  • Pattern Recognition: AI uncovers trends and anomalies in acoustic data that might be missed by the human ear.

Smarter Oceans in Action

  • Protecting Endangered Whales: AI-powered PAM systems alert ships in real time when whales are nearby, preventing collisions.
  • Tracking Fish Populations: fisheries use AI to monitor spawning events and manage stocks sustainably.
  • Climate Change Monitoring: AI detects changes in soundscapes caused by warming oceans and shifting ecosystems.

As AI continues to evolve, so will its ability to make our oceans smarter. Together with PAM, it opens up exciting possibilities for protecting marine environments and understanding the planet’s most mysterious frontier.

Real-World Example: JASCO and SeaTrac Autonomous Whale Monitoring

JASCO Applied Sciences and SeaTrac Systems have partnered to deploy an uncrewed surface vehicle equipped with a dipping hydrophone array. This AI-enhanced system autonomously detects endangered North Atlantic right whales in real-time, alerting nearby vessels and researchers to their presence. The integration of AI and passive acoustic monitoring allows the system to analyze large amounts of audio data instantly, distinguishing whale calls from background noise. This technology enables extended deployments with minimal human intervention, offering a smarter, more sustainable way to protect marine life while advancing our understanding of ocean soundscapes.

Transform the way you monitor the ocean. Turbulent Research’s acoustic solutions give you smarter tools to protect marine life and study underwater soundscapes. Get in touch to find out how we can support your next project.