Acoustic Recording Project to Commence Summer 2008.

This project will use the equipment shown above, the Long-Term Acoustic Recording System High Frequency (LARS-HF). This is based on the Dell Axim X50, the LARS-HF features a simple interface for recording continuously or on a duty cycle with a selectable sample rate.

The LARS recording devices will be placed at known high dolphin use areas around Great Abaco Island, and the presence of dolphins will be determined by acoustic detection and recording of their high frequency social sounds, known as whistles. Presence/absence data will be recorded 24 hours a day for up to 3 weeks at a time, at which time the acoustic recorder will be retrieved, the data downloaded and the recording devices replaced at the site. This intense data collection regime will allow scientists to examine daily and seasonal habitat use. Additional recorders will be placed outside of known high use areas to examine their relative importance. Projected outcomes of this project will be the creation of a conservation strategy plan to protect critical dolphin habitats around Great Abaco Island through collaborative efforts with local and national environmental organisations.

This project has been awarded a grant from a family foundation in the Bahamas to get started, and is awaiting to hear from other potential funding bodies for further awards. For the inital stage of this project, 2 LARS devices will be purchased and used in South Abaco.