Scientists at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center have developed a new data mapping tool that aggregates underwater acoustic data to track the presence of large whales off the East Coast. The tool uses hydrophones stationed on both fixed and mobile platforms to capture sounds from various species of whales, including sei, fin, blue, humpback, and North Atlantic right whales, dating back to 2004. The aim is to create a comprehensive dataset that is easily accessible for managers, stakeholders, and scientists. The tool allows users to view specific details about each detection, such as location, season, and type of detection, by hovering over points on the map.

Sofie Van Parijs, lead of the center’s passive acoustics research group, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, inviting contributions from other researchers and even the wind industry. The dataset has recently been expanded to include beaked whales, sperm whales, and Kogia species, with recording locations ranging from the western North Atlantic to the Caribbean Sea. The tool is mobile-friendly and offers a wealth of information, including the number of deployments, recorded days, and specific details about the recording gear used.

The project is a collaborative effort involving 33 contributors from the United States and Canada, and it's expected to soon include data on minke whales and dolphins. It complements another tool called WhaleMap, maintained by Dalhousie University, which also tracks whale movements but includes both acoustic and visual data and can overlay management and wind energy development areas.

The new data mapping tool is a significant advancement in marine biology and conservation, providing a centralized, user-friendly platform for tracking large whales. It not only aids in scientific research but also has the potential to inform policy decisions and conservation efforts, particularly as human activities like wind energy development intersect with marine habitats.