SMART ACOUSTICS 2026

Understanding the acoustic variability and spatio-temporal dynamics of ocean processes impacting signal detection and ocean sound propagation at scales larger than a specific locale and longer than 1-2 years necessitates sustained observations and measurements. This program will service 5 acoustic bottom landers and conduct seafloor characterization at the 5 lander positions with an additional sixth site at the terminus of a cabled ocean observation platform. The program aims to assess patterns and trends in acoustic, oceanographic and air-sea interface dynamics through long time series analyses that will lead to transformative research related to 1) source detection/classification/ localization methods, 2) predicting habitat suitability of marine mammals through the development of Species Distribution Models, 3) understanding soundscape dynamics related to source energy densities, 4) characterizing seafloor scattering/ reflection and it relationship to bottom substrate and composition, and 5) investigating the variability of bio-physical interactions by developing echosounder-based indices for multiple types of lower trophic level organisms.