2025_programme: Insights and Feedback from a Long-Term Deployment of Automated Acoustic Monitoring Systems for Marine Mammal Detection

• Day: June 16, Monday
    Location / Time: A. TERPSIHORI at 18:00-18:20
• Last minutes changes: -
• Session: 03. Advances in acoustic measurement systems: Technologies and applications
  Organiser(s): Alessandra Tesei, Matthew Schinault, Purnima Ratilal
  Chairperson(s): Matthew Schinault
• Lecture: Insights and Feedback from a Long-Term Deployment of Automated Acoustic Monitoring Systems for Marine Mammal Detection
  Paper ID: 2178
  Author(s): Samuel ANTOINE
  Presenter: Samuel Antoine
  Abstract: Rtsys, a French industrial SME specializing in underwater acoustic instrumentation, has leveraged the recent advancements in deep neural network algorithms and embedded processors to pioneer real-time, onboard advanced sound signal analysis. This paper presents our inaugural large-scale implementation of such a system, conducted in collaboration with a client in 2024. The project aimed to ensure continuous acoustic monitoring approximately 40 km offshore, focusing on the automatic detection of marine mammals around an offshore wind farm construction site. The data gathered is crucial for adjusting construction schedules and vessel routes based on animal presence.\n \nWe developed a fleet of seven offshore buoys equipped with acoustic measurement and automatic data processing chains, capable of transmitting results via satellite communication while being energy autonomous. The processed data was stored in a database, accessible to the operator via a custom web interface that also allowed for remote configuration of the buoys. Over the six-month project duration, we accumulated over 1000 buoy-days of operation.\n \nThe primary challenges encountered included wave-induced noise, which reduced detection range and caused false positives, and sporadic satellite communication interruptions in the operational area. Additionally, maintaining continuous access to the database and web interface required meticulous attention. Despite these challenges, the mission was largely successful: system availability was high, enabling the detection of a significant number of marine mammals. The buoys demonstrated resilience against storms and maintained energy self-sufficiency.\n \nThis experience underscores the potential of advanced acoustic monitoring systems in marine environments and highlights the importance of robust design and reliable communication infrastructure. The insights gained from this project will inform future deployments and technological improvements in the field of marine acoustic monitoring.\n
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• Corresponding author: Mr Samuel Antoine
  Affiliation: RTSYS
  Country: France