Incorporating slow-moving recorder data in a species distribution modeling framework

Team: Janelle Badger, Yvonne Barkley, Devin Johnson, Kaitlin Palmer, Selene Fregosi (PIFSC)

The SPACIOUS project (Spatial Population Assessment of Cetaceans Integrating acoustic Observations from Uncrewed Systems) aims to develop the analytical framework necessary to integrate PAM data from slow-moving passive acoustic recorders, including underwater gliders and drifting acoustic recorders, into quantitative assessments of population distribution and density. The PAM and UxS SIs are heavily investing in the testing and development of PAM-equipped gliders and this effort will ensure that those developments are more quickly leveraged to improve cetacean assessments. This project will focus on developing a statistical framework that integrates PAM data from underwater gliders and drifters with existing visual-based species distribution models (SDM) to achieve more accurate ensemble models with seasonal context.

Project goals

  1. Identify aspects of spatial models and currenty density estimation methods that need modification/supplementation to incorporate slow-moving data

  2. Conduct simulations and/or experiments to address missing model components

  3. Develop analytical framework with an initial target species

  4. Engage with the PAM glider and modelling communities to assess the state of the science and validate approaches