Navy SBIR Award
Title:
Passive Acoustic Sensor System for Marine Mammal Detection
Command:
NAVAIR
Solicitation #:
98.1
Topic #:
N98-031
TPOC:
Lawrence Coar, (305) 293-4343
Award Amount:
68629
Phase:
I
Contract Number:
N68335-98-C-0196
Award Start/End:
5/26/98 - 11/26/98
FY Rept:
1998
Firm:
SeaLandAire Technologies, Inc.
2400 East Ganson Street
Jackson, MI 49202
Project Manager:
Mr. James Widenhofer, (517)764-7899
Corporate Official:
Mr.David C. Sparks, (517) 764-7899
Abstract:
Protecting marine mammals from harm during Navy explosive operations is a high priority. A dedicated sensor system for field mitigation that has a high probability of detection, is flexible and can be tailored to fit the scope of an exercise is highly desirable. A preliminary examination of the characteristics and behavior of marine mammals suggests that a unique dedicated passive acoustic sensor system could be developed from existing sonobuoy technology. It would have near 100% probability of detection and would be a cost effective adjunct to the existing technique of visual observations. A program is proposed for the development of a passive acoustic sensor and processor/display system meeting those criteria. A comprehensive analysis of the vocalization characteristics and behavior of cetaceans and other marine mammals will be used to determine system characteristics for optimizing detection and localization. Frequency range, source level, conditions that induce vocalizations and variety of sounds will be important criteria. Omnidirectional and directional sensors will be compared for detection effectiveness, complexity, number of sensors required and cost. Various processing schemes will be evaluated to determine the most effective method of detection and localization. The goal is to develop a practical, simple, cost effective and flexible system.
Benefits:
The developed technology will support mitigation of marine mammals during Navy and commercial explosive operations, mammal detection for scientific surveys and detection to comply with Navy guidelines on operations in marine mammal migration areas such as is presently in place for the Northern Right Whale.
Keywords:
Marine Mammals Field Mitigation Detection and Localization Sonobuoy Technology Hydrophones Signal Processing Explosive Operations