Canada has the world’s longest coastline and water is one of its most important resources. With increased marine shipping, coastal development and threats from climate change, the need to monitor coastal and offshore waters for changes is more important than ever before.

Ocean acoustic monitoring empowers community members to easily contribute high-quality, continuous data on noise levels to help better understand and inform policy on the changes that may be impacting the ocean environment over time.

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Program description

Developed by Ocean Networks Canada, the Ocean Acoustic Monitoring program provides an introduction to acoustic data principles and training in hydrophone use and deployment, sampling strategies, and interpretation and reporting of underwater acoustic data.

Canada has the world’s longest coastline and water is one of its most important resources. Increased marine shipping, coastal development and threats from climate change have increased underwater noise that negatively impacts marine species such as orcas, humpback whales, seals and salmon. Monitoring and understanding the impacts of underwater noise on marine life is critical for responsible management of marine habitats and for improving ocean health.

Program partner

Ocean Networks Canada logo

Program outcomes

Upon completion of this training program, participants will be able to:

  • Understand and communicate the importance of instrumenting oceans and coastal regions
  • Understand the significance of underwater acoustics to ocean life and marine health
  • Accurately describe the theory of operation and application of a hydrophone in monitoring marine waters
  • Plan and conduct an effective sampling strategy and hydrophone deployment based on specified deliverables, and designed to answer a specific research question
  • Use Lucy and other software packages to collect, display, interpret and report acoustic data
  • Identify and troubleshoot impacts on hydrophone performance and data quality

Who is this program for?

This cohort-based training is offered to Indigenous and remote communities on Vancouver Island.

Courses and fees

This two-day training program will take place in both the classroom and the field. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate of participation from the University of Victoria.

Estimated fees

This program is funded by Ocean Networks Canada. Contact us at hsscoord@uvic.ca for more details.

Application information

How to apply

For information on how to participate in the Ocean Acoustic Monitoring training program, contact hsscoord@uvic.ca