Explore Cristina Marcolin’s groundbreaking acoustic research results. This innovative study, based on two years of data collected during whale watching trips, utilizes a unique acoustic protocol, integrating manual and automatic methods for inter-pulse interval measurement

Objectives

Develop an Acoustic Protocol: Create a robust acoustic protocol for size estimation and age structure assessment of the sperm whale population.
Utilize Whale Watching Data: Collect data during whale watching trips, utilizing echolocation clicks and codas recorded behind the animals or at the point of fluke-up.
Implement Three IPI Measurement Approaches: Test and compare three different approaches for inter-pulse interval (IPI) measurement: manual method using Raven software, an automatic method with PAMGuard software IPI plugin, and an automatic method with CABLE software.
Evaluate Precision and Efficiency: Assess the precision and efficiency of each IPI measurement approach, considering factors like reliability, time consumption, and adaptability to the dataset.
Verify Consistency with Previous Assessments: Compare the size and age structure results obtained through the acoustic approach with previous assessments made in São Miguel to ensure consistency.
Explore Acoustic Protocol Potential: Investigate the potential of implementing a rigorous acoustic protocol for estimating population size and age structure of sperm whales in the Azores, given the increasing popularity of whale watching as a tourist activity.

Impact

Acoustic Protocol Development: Successfully developed an acoustic protocol for estimating the size and age structure of sperm whales, utilizing data collected during whale watching trips.
Data Collection Using Hydrophone: Collected two years’ worth of recordings using a single hydrophone during whale watching trips, focusing on echolocation clicks and codas recorded behind the animals or at the point of fluke-up.
Testing IPI Measurement Approaches: Implemented and tested three approaches for inter-pulse interval (IPI) measurement, including a manual method using Raven software, an automatic method with PAMGuard software IPI plugin, and an automatic method with CABLE software.
Precision and Efficiency Evaluation: Found the manual method to be highly precise but time-consuming, while the automatic method with PAMGuard software IPI plugin was considered reliable with less effort required from the operator. The automatic method with CABLE software was deemed not suitable for the dataset used.
Consistency with Previous Assessments: Verified that the size and age structure results obtained through the acoustic approach were consistent with previous assessments made in São Miguel, providing validation for the acoustic protocol.
Potential for Population Assessment: Identified the potential of implementing a rigorous acoustic protocol for estimating population size and age structure of sperm whales in the Azores, particularly in the context of the increasing popularity of whale watching as a tourist activity.

Supported UN Global Goals

Cristina Marcolin’s pioneering study, conducted during her tenure at Futurismo Azores Adventures, to estimate the size and age structure of the sperm whale population off São Miguel Island, aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by enhancing understanding and conservation of marine life, indirectly supporting SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting ecosystem health. Furthermore, the study fosters knowledge and education in marine biology, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education). The collaborative nature of the research exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), showcasing the potential for joint efforts in marine conservation.