Unsupported Browser Detected

Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Southwest Acoustic Ecology Lab

Using sound to understand and protect marine mammals throughout the California Current Ecosystem

West Coast

Table of Contents

Cuvier’s beaked whales in the Southern California Bight. Credit: Anne Simionis

Cuvier’s beaked whales in the Southern California Bight. Credit: Anne Simonis

Sound travels exceptionally well in the ocean (much better than light!), and marine mammals have evolved to use sound to interact with their environment. They may echolocate to find food, sing songs to find mates, or listen carefully to avoid predators such as killer whales. Scientists, too, use sound to learn more about these animals and their marine environment. 

Use Ocean Sound to:

  • Study the distribution and behavior of marine mammals
  • Understand the biological and man made contributions to the ocean soundscape 
  • Examine the potential impact of noise on marine mammals
  • Engage in Research & Development to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of data collection and analysis 
  • Encourage community participation in our science!
Bowriding spotted dolphins. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Shannon Rankin

Bow-riding spotted dolphins. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Shannon Rankin

Learn More About Our Science

Multimedia

Videos on Ocean Sounds, Science Education, and more

Last updated by Southwest Fisheries Science Center on 12/13/2023