Futures

Innovative Marine Sound Detection System Aims to Protect Whales and Identify Submarines, (from page 20220626.)

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Summary

Whale skeletons along Fuerteventura’s coast highlight the detrimental impact of military sonar on marine life, particularly whale strandings. In response, Lori Adornato from DARPA proposes an innovative approach called Persistent Aquatic Living Sensors (PALS) that uses natural sounds from marine animals instead of traditional sonar. The project aims to utilize species like goliath groupers, known for their loud alert calls, and snapping shrimp, which create significant underwater noise, to detect submarines. This system, potentially covering vast areas for extended periods, could revolutionize submarine detection while minimizing harm to marine life. Initial feasibility studies have been completed, with field testing planned for 2023, aiming for a technology that can coexist with natural ecosystems and reduce whale casualties caused by sonar.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Marine Life Utilization for Sonar Detection Military sonar detection may shift to using marine animals’ natural sounds. A shift from traditional sonar to natural sound-based detection methods. Marine ecosystems could be integrated into naval operations, enhancing detection while protecting wildlife. The need to reduce whale strandings and ecological impact of traditional sonar technology. 4
Algorithm Development for Sound Classification Machine learning algorithms are being developed to classify marine animal sounds. From human interpretation to automated sound analysis for underwater monitoring. Advanced algorithms could revolutionize how underwater environments are monitored and studied. Technological advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. 5
Low-impact Environmental Monitoring Using natural sounds for monitoring human impact on marine ecosystems. From disruptive monitoring methods to eco-friendly, low-impact systems. Monitoring could become more sustainable, with minimal disruption to marine life. Growing environmental awareness and regulations for sustainable practices. 4
Cyborg Sensor Networks Development of networks combining biological and technological sensors. From traditional sensor arrays to integrated biological-tech systems for surveillance. A new paradigm in surveillance technology that relies on biological indicators. The quest for more efficient, long-lasting, and eco-friendly monitoring solutions. 3
Collaboration with Nature in Military Technology Potential for military technologies to work in harmony with natural ecosystems. From adversarial technology to collaborative approaches with wildlife. Military operations could be more aligned with ecological conservation efforts. The increasing recognition of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Impact of Military Sonar on Marine Life Military sonar is contributing to whale strandings, highlighting the potential for ecological disruption and wildlife casualties. 5
Reliability of Biological Sensors for National Security Using marine life as sensors may not reliably detect submarines, as previous attempts have failed and distinguishing between threats remains challenging. 4
False Positives in Detection Systems The challenge of distinguishing between signals from marine life and genuine threats could lead to false alarms and misallocated resources. 4
Environmental Impact of Monitoring Technology While intended to be low-impact, deploying technology in marine ecosystems could inadvertently disrupt local habitats and species behavior. 3
Technological Dependence on Specific Species Relying on common US species for detection raises concerns about sustainability and effectiveness in diverse marine environments globally. 3
Integration of Technology and Nature The potential for a mismatch between technological solutions and natural ecosystems, affecting effectiveness and ecological balance. 3
Human Activities Impact on Marine Soundscapes Tracking human impact through marine sounds could reveal negative effects of offshore activities like mining and wind farms on local ecosystems. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Utilizing Natural Sound for Detection Leveraging natural marine sounds instead of traditional sonar to detect submarines, enhancing ecological sensitivity. 5
Living Biological Sensors Developing systems that use marine animals as persistent biological sensors to monitor underwater activity. 5
Machine Learning for Acoustic Monitoring Applying machine learning algorithms to classify and interpret marine animal sounds for security purposes. 4
Cyborg Sensor Networks Creating networks of smart hydrophones that integrate natural sounds and advanced technology for surveillance. 4
Environmentally Friendly Monitoring Solutions Implementing low-impact systems that monitor human activities underwater without disrupting ecosystems. 5
Collaborative Conservation Efforts Promoting partnerships between military needs and wildlife conservation to reduce whale strandings caused by sonar. 5
Adaptive Sonar Technology Innovating sonar technologies that adapt to natural acoustic environments for better detection accuracy. 4

Technologies

name description relevancy
Persistent Aquatic Living Sensors (Pals) A system that uses marine animals’ sounds to detect underwater threats, providing extended monitoring capabilities. 5
Machine Learning Algorithms for Sound Classification Algorithms trained to distinguish and classify different marine animal sounds, enhancing detection capabilities. 4
Smart Hydrophones with Onboard Computing Advanced hydrophones capable of processing sounds and determining locations of underwater targets autonomously. 5
Shrimp-Based Sonar Systems Sonar technology utilizing sounds produced by snapping shrimp to detect underwater activity. 4
Eco-Friendly Underwater Monitoring Systems Low-impact systems leveraging natural sounds for environmental monitoring without disrupting ecosystems. 5

Issues

name description relevancy
Military Sonar Impact on Marine Life Military sonar is causing whale strandings, raising concerns about its environmental impact. 5
Innovative Submarine Detection Technologies Using natural marine sounds as a means to detect submarines represents a new direction in military technology. 4
Integration of AI in Marine Research Machine learning algorithms are being used to analyze marine animal sounds for security purposes. 4
Ecosystem Monitoring via Marine Life Utilizing living organisms to monitor underwater environments could revolutionize ecological studies. 4
Potential for Low-Impact Marine Research The use of natural sounds for scientific research offers a non-disruptive method for studying human impact on marine ecosystems. 3
Challenges in Marine Bioacoustics Distinguishing between natural marine sounds and artificial signals poses a significant challenge for detection systems. 4
Historical Attempts at Marine Detection Previous unsuccessful military efforts to utilize marine life for detection highlight ongoing challenges in the field. 3