Predicting noise impact on fish communities in the western Canadian Arctic using Passive Acoustic Monitoring – Year two

Several fish species produce species-specific sounds that can be identified in the wild using Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) (i.e. dataloggers configured with underwater microphones). Our project will use existing and new PAM recordings to monitor the distribution of several fish species in the western Canadian Arctic, with particular focus on a keystone Arctic species, the Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida). Acoustic signal detection techniques will be implemented to identify fish sounds from large acoustic datasets. Predictive modelling will be used to predict the potential impacts of vessel noise and environmental changes on fish distribution. Timing is critical as the Arctic is undergoing increasingly rapid changes. Our investigation will be the first to investigate the ecoacoustics of Canadian Arctic fish and the potential impacts of anthropogenic noise. The automated signal processing and modeling will accelerate acoustic analyse and therefore benefiting the partner organisation and regulatory bodies alike.

Faculty Supervisor:

Francis Juanes

Student:

Matthew Pine

Partner:

JASCO Applied Sciences

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Environmental industry

University:

Program: