Interactive Marine Mammal Communications

A 4-channel marine mammal detection and classification system capable of automatically detecting and classifying marine mammal vocalizations will be developed under this Phase II effort. The system will allow the operator to view marine mammal vocalizations throughout the spectrum and will include audio tools which support translation and expansion of these sounds. The Teledyne-Benthos ATM-900 bottom mounted acoustic modem will be modified for wideband acquisition and recording of marine vocalizations. AN/SSQ-53F sonobuoys will be modified to support wideband acquisition and data transmission to an air platform during the Phase II at-sea test. Real world multi-static missions will be processed throughout the Phase II effort to conduct marine mammal acoustic behavioral analysis prior to, during and after multi-static operations. The results of the Phase II program will provide the U.S. Navy with the tools and knowledge required to transition this technology into a Phase III program which will allow the naval air community to maintain ASW readiness levels while fully complying with the Marine Mammal Protection Act during multi-static operations.