INTEGRATED MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION SYSTEM (IMAPS)

Here we propose to develop and integrate both a novel Active/Passive Sonar System and a Mitigation Management and Control Module. Together these will comprise a complete Integrated Marine Mammal Monitoring and Protection System (IMAPS). The active sonarsystem will consist of a vertical line array for the source and a 60 channel cylindrical array for the receiver. The passive system will use the same active source vertical line array (as a receiver), the same cylindrical receiver array, and threeadditional omni-directional sources as receivers. Novel techniques will be used to achieve directionality out of the cylindrical array at low frequencies. The system will leverage off technology developed for the LFA High Frequency Marine MammalMonitoring Sonar System (HF/M3) and passive detection techniques developed by Cornell University (such as the Popeye System). The MMCM will be based on the Acoustic Integration Model developed by Marine Acoustics, Inc. The active/passive acoustic systemwill act as the primary detection method, while the MMCM will act to optimize the functional settings of the active/passive system to maximize the probability of detection of marine mammals for the given operation. In Phase I a conceptual design of thesystem was developed. In Phase II we will build and test a first prototype.BENEFITS: The anticipated benefits are a highly flexible system that will be ideally suited for general purpose detection, tracking, and monitoring of marine mammals duringmilitary and civilian activities. This will allow both the Navy and Industry to continue to use the seas in compliance with marine mammal protection acts. Given that the Navy, seismic exploration community, shipping industry, and other ocean basedcommercial activities are required to meet regulatory and ethical standards, the commercial potential of the proposed system is very high. Indeed, almost every ship engaged in such activities might be required to utilize this type of system.