Use of Underwater Acoustics in Marine Conservation and Policy: Previous Advances, Current Status, and Future Needs

The interdisciplinary field of assessing the impacts sound on marine life has benefited largely from advancement underwater acoustics that occurred after World War II. Acoustic parameters widely used in were redefined to quantify levels relevant animal audiometric variables, both at source and receiver. fundamental approach for uses a source-pathway-receiver model based one-way sonar equation, most numerical propagation models can be predict received animals are potentially exposed. However, significant information gaps still exist terms characterization strongly coupled with type layering underlying substrate(s). Additional challenges include lack easy-to-use animal-specific statistical detection models, as well adequate training regulatory entities acoustics.