Research
Coastal cetaceans in West Africa are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures, yet many species in the region remain poorly studied and understood. Among these, Sousa teuszii stands out as one of the most data deficient, with only a limited number of studies dedicated to it. While ongoing photo-identification efforts provide valuable population and distribution data in this area, Passive Acoustic Monitoring offers a complementary approach to study this species. This study investigated the diel and seasonal patterns of Sousa teuszii acoustic activity by deploying SoundTrap hydrophones in two locations of the Senegalese deltas during 2021 and 2022. Based on literature review, it was hypothesised that Sousa teuszii would exhibit predictable diurnal and monthly patterns in their acoustic activity, reflecting behavioural rhythms and responses to environmental or anthropogenic factors. Recordings were processed in PAMGUARD and Raven with analysis done by calculating a Mean Adjusted Whistle Rate (MAWR). The hypothesis was supported by Negative Binomial GLM results which displayed higher mean whistle rates per hour in the Saloum river in 2022, showing seasonal peaks in August and dips in October. Diel bimodality with peak whistle rates seen in early morning and evening periods. These patterns reflect increased prey availability following rainfall-driven productivity, as well as heightened mother-calf communication during calving periods when acoustic contact becomes crucial under challenging visual conditions. Critical periods for survey timings and habitat protection were identified forming a basis for future research. Given the species’ critical status and ongoing habitat threats, long-term, multi-modal monitoring in Senegal is urgently recommended to inform adaptive protection strategies.
Research
This video is a conceptual elevator pitch for a research-driven project investigating the role of underwater acoustics in coral reef ecosystems. It begins by contrasting the overwhelming, often chaotic soundscapes of human-built environments with the more balanced and rich acoustic conditions found in nature. Expanding beneath the ocean’s surface, the video introduces coral reefs as dynamic sonic habitats, where sound is not just a byproduct but a critical ecological signal.
Focusing on coral larvae, the project explores the hypothesis that acoustic cues influence where and how these organisms settle, ultimately shaping reef distribution and resilience. By comparing soundscapes across different marine environments, ranging from healthy, biodiverse reefs to degraded or noise-impacted areas, the concept highlights how variations in underwater acoustics may affect larval behavior and settlement success.
Through this lens, the video frames sound as an underappreciated but powerful environmental factor, suggesting new possibilities for coral restoration and conservation. It invites viewers to reconsider the importance of acoustic ecology, positioning sound not only as something we hear, but as something that actively structures life beneath the waves.
