NoiseTracker: A collaborative initiative to measure ocean soundscapes.
Photo by Raincoast Conservation Foundation, taken under SARA Research License XMMS-2-2022.
NoiseTracker aims to unite hydrophone operators along the Pacific coast in an effort to collaboratively monitor underwater noise, increase science-based decision making to reduce noise impacts on marine life, and inform the public about anthropogenic noise.
Tackling the problem of ocean noise
Underwater noise from anthropogenic sources is a pervasive threat that is jeopardizing the ability of some marine species at risk, such as endangered Southern Resident killer whales, to forage, communicate, and reproduce. It is a significant conservation concern that is only expected to increase in the coming years.
Understanding how, when, and where noise pollution is impacting marine species is the first step to help inform and guide the development of effective mitigation measures and policies and to preserve essential acoustic habitats.
Fostering a collaborative network
Numerous organizations, including nonprofits, First Nations, academia, technical agencies, government, industry, and port authorities, are involved in Passive Acoustic Monitoring of ocean soundscapes using hydrophones (underwater listening devices that detect and record underwater sounds) deployed along the Pacific coast.
Such monitoring efforts are, however, currently disjointed. NoiseTracker aims to foster collaboration between these existing operators to monitor underwater noise trends on a central platform, increase science-based decision making to reduce noise impacts on marine life, and inform the public about anthropogenic noise.
Applied conservation science
This shared, coast-wide information system will make it possible to identify seasonal and multi-year trends in noise levels along the Pacific coast to inform and facilitate mitigation measures and management decisions, and contribute to conservation strategies that support a healthy marine environment.
There is strength in collaboration; it can help increase knowledge mobilization across disciplines, accelerate progress, increase funding potential, and provide a greater opportunity to achieve shared goals more efficiently.
Who NoiseTracker is for
NoiseTracker will serve as an invaluable resource on long-term ocean noise trends in the region. With a range of noise trend data available, the platform will appeal to
- Territorial stewards
- Policymakers
- Research scientists
- Non-profit organizations
- Local and federal governments
- Educators
- Students
- Members of the general public
Education hub
Along with our research, NoiseTracker’s Education Hub will be a comprehensive resource for all things ocean noise. The content will appeal to all ages aimed at anyone interested in learning more about underwater acoustics, noise pollution, mitigation measures and scientific monitoring techniques.
Our Science of Underwater Noise and Disturbance (SOUND) toolkit is designed to provide educators with engaging and hands-on activities to reinforce learning on this complex topic.
Steering and technical committees
Our Steering and Technical Committees guide and govern this initiative and include a diverse assemblage of representatives.
- Cowichan First Nation
- Wuikinuxv First Nation
- Haisla First Nation
- Ocean Networks Canada
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans
- Transport Canada
- Port Authorities (Vancouver and Prince Rupert)
- Simon Fraser University
- Sea to Shore Ltd.
- Open Ocean Robotics
- SMRU Consulting
- JASCO Applied Sciences
- WWF
- Raincoast Conservation Foundation
Making it simple to join
The NoiseTracker platform will be easy to use, accessible, and completely free of charge. We are committed to making it easy for those hydrophone operators with an interest in collaborative acoustic monitoring, to join NoiseTracker. Hydrophone operators that join NoiseTracker will:
- Retain full ownership of raw data.
- Have full control over the data and information displayed to the public.
- Have access to free, secure and exportable noise trend analyses for hydrophone sites.
- Be connected to other operators with similar monitoring goals and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of noise pollution.
