Project Objectives
When using a cue counting approach to density estimation one needs to convert an estimated density of cues (e.g. sounds of a given species) into a density of animals. A fundamental multiplier required to do so is a cue rate, the number of cues produced per animal per unit time. Not only the cue rate is important, as we hope to get a measure of its precision.
ACCURATE is an all telling acronym, we are all about obtaining ACCURATE cue rates to inform marine mammal passive acoustic density estimation exercises.
The ultimate goal is to provide guidance on how to calculate cue rates and to determine the most appropriate cue rates to use in a particular setting. To achieve these goals, the project has several specific objectives, purused under different tasks:
To identify, review, compile and provide open access to all data available on cue rates (and their variability) across deep-diving and baleen species.
To develop methods to estimate cue rates from different data types (e.g. time depth-data) and for different taxa.
To apply these methods to species of interest for the Navy (including both deep divers and baleen whales).
To explore the factors that determine cue rate variability over time and space.
To evaluate impacts of cue rate variability on density estimates from cue-based methods.
To compile and make freely available all information gathered and produced within this project.