LISTEN GoMex

This project uses a network of underwater microphones to record marine mammals throughout U.S. and Mexican waters in the Gulf and gather information on their location and density throughout the year. The data from this comprehensive and long-term passive acoustic monitoring program will be used to understand and mitigate anthropogenic noise impacts on marine mammals. This project complements and expands prior passive acoustic monitoring in the region. Data collection is ongoing at four historic long-term reference sites and 1 additional long-term reference site, as well as two short term sites which are moved annually as needed to understand local noise conditions in key areas of interest. The project team is engaging with federal and state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and private industry to make sure their findings are reaching the people who are making decisions that impact marine mammal management. This project is also coordinated with an oceanic marine mammal-focused project supported by the NOAA RESTORE Science Program.