Passive Acoustic Listening Device for Dolphins and Whales

NEW Scientific Data Set Applications

The dataset with only 1 mobile acoustic unit will be purposed to establish and confirm the High concentration of the Critically Endangered Hector dolphin Species Initially.

Check concentration patterns of Seasonal Dusky Dolphins.

An Acoustic system that is shore-based and has multiple units is proposed in time. The advantage locally is using the funnel shape of the sounds, and this larger system will be able to provide Data on Bottlenose Dolphins, Orca and Whales migrating or visiting the area.

 

1. Lead to analysis of food type and feeding patterns.
2. Lead to specify critical breeding times.
3. Lead to identification and FIN ID catalogue with Acoustic ID. ( World first )
4. Lead to eventual additional protection measures and mitigate accidents with shipping.
5. Lead to food enhancement and stabilization.
6. Lead to increased Science Presence to enhance our Environmental aspirations.
7. Fulfil our requirements as Kaitiakitanga as a community.

 

Historical Scientific Old Data Set – Oldest in New Zealand

The current Scientific Data Set has been collected by E-ko tour from 2009 to 2024. Some historical Records go back to 1995. The recent 15-year Data Set has been used in a thesis produced Cheryl Cross in 2019.

https://mro.massey.ac.nz/items/64d80b2b-f1df-4ff4-bdfe-d345cd268233

The collection of this visual Data set is the longest-running in New Zealand and has been sponsored by E-ko tours as a community asset. Department of Conservation,  Marlborough District Council or any University has full access should they wish to produce a paper.

This Data Set and Cheryl Cross’s 2019 work underpin the Current paper for discussion.

The commitment by E-ko Tours staff ,Researchers and Interns over the 15 years has been approximately $1,440,000.00 to actively daily record , log , collate and maintain.

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Project Update – 2026

Important Project Change

In late 2025, the Passive Listening Dinghy used in this project was stolen, resulting in the loss of the mobile surface platform. While this was a significant operational setback, all acoustic data collected prior to the theft was successfully secured and analysed.

Critically, the dataset confirms high and consistent use of this area by Hector’s dolphins, validating both the original project design and the ecological importance of Queen Charlotte Sound / Tōtaranui as core dolphin habitat.

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Key Findings to Date

Analysis of the collected passive acoustic dataset indicates:

• Frequent and repeated dolphin detections across multiple temporal windows

• Strong evidence of regular habitat use, not transient passage

• Acoustic activity consistent with foraging and social behaviour, reinforcing the area’s conservation significance

These results provide robust baseline evidence supporting long-term protection, management planning, and further investment in fixed passive acoustic monitoring.

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Next Phase: Transition to a Fixed Underwater Recorder

Following the loss of the dinghy, the project is now transitioning from a mobile platform to a long-term, fixed underwater acoustic monitoring solution.

The preferred system for the next phase is the:

ST600 HF – Long-Term Passive Acoustic Recorder

This system offers:

• Extended autonomous deployment capability

• High-frequency sensitivity suitable for Hector’s dolphin vocalisations

• Robust data integrity for long-term ecological studies

• Compatibility with advanced analytical and AI-assisted workflows

A fixed installation will significantly improve data continuity, security, and scientific reliability, while reducing operational risk.

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Funding & Collaboration Objectives

We are actively seeking:

• Project funding to procure and deploy the ST600 HF system

• International university partnerships specialising in:

  • passive acoustic monitoring

  • marine mammal bioacoustics

  • long-term ecological datasets

  • AI-assisted acoustic analysis

This site offers a rare, high-value dataset opportunity:
a confirmed high-use habitat for a critically endangered species, with existing historical context and strong local support.

Partner institutions would gain access to:

• Long-term acoustic data

• A proven monitoring location

• Opportunities for peer-reviewed research

• Direct conservation impact in a globally significant context

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Why This Matters

Hector’s dolphins are among the most endangered marine mammals in the world. Demonstrating persistent habitat use through acoustic evidence strengthens the case for:

• targeted protection measures

• vessel-management strategies

• informed regulatory decisions

• international research collaboration

Replacing the stolen dinghy with a permanent underwater recorder is not a downgrade — it is a strategic evolution of the project.

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How to Get Involved

We welcome engagement from:

• Universities and research institutes

• Conservation funders and grant bodies

• Technical partners

• Organisations aligned with marine biodiversity protection

Support can take the form of funding, equipment sponsorship, or collaborative research deployment.