Software for real-time localization of baleen whale calls using directional sonobuoys:a case study on Antarctic blue whales

• Published in: The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America
• Main Authors: Miller, Brian S., Calderan, Susannah, Gillespie, Douglas, Weatherup, Graham, Leaper, Russell, Collins, Kym, Double, Michael C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Antarctic; Antarc*; baleen whale; baleen whales; Iceberg*
• Online Access: https://risweb.st-andrews.ac.uk/portal/en/researchoutput/software-for-realtime-localization-of-baleen-whale-calls-using-directional-sonobuoys(3cb1fe3f-2cc3-4467-8fc3-6c66b4c67b8a).html; https://doi.org/10.1121/1.4943627

Directional frequency analysis and recording (DIFAR) sonobuoys can allow real-time acoustic localization of baleen whales for underwater tracking and remote sensing, but limited availability of hardware and software has prevented wider usage. These software limitations were addressed by developing a module in the open-source software PAMGuard. A case study is presented demonstrating that this software provides greater efficiency and accessibility than previous methods for detecting, localizing, and tracking Antarctic blue whales in real time. Additionally, this software can easily be extended to track other low and mid frequency sounds including those from other cetaceans, pinnipeds, icebergs, shipping, and seismic airguns.