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Passive Acoustic Sensor System for Marine Mammal Detection

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 40476
Amount: $68,629.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1998
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2400 East Ganson Street, Suite A
Jackson, MI 49202
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Mr. James Widenhofer
 (517) 764-7899
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Protecting marine mammals from harm during Navy explosive operations is a high priority. A dedicated sensor system for field mitigation that has a high probability of detection, is flexible and can be tailored to fit the scope of an exercise is highly desirable. A preliminary examination of the characteristics and behavior of marine mammals suggests that a unique dedicated passive acoustic sensor system could be developed from existing sonobuoy technology. It would have near 100% probability of detection and would be a cost effective adjunct to the existing technique of visual observations. A program is proposed for the development of a passive acoustic sensor and processor/display system meeting those criteria. A comprehensive analysis of the vocalization characteristics and behavior of cetaceans and other marine mammals will be used to determine system characteristics for optimizing detection and localization. Frequency range, source level, conditions that induce vocalizations and variety of sounds will be important criteria. Omnidirectional and directional sensors will be compared for detection effectiveness, complexity, number of sensors required and cost. Various processing schemes will be evaluated to determine the most effective method of detection and localization. The goal is to develop a practical, simple, cost effective and flexible system.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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