Book: Marine Bioacoustic Signal Processing and Analysis

Abstract

Abstract : Acoustic signal processing has long been the domain of electrical and mechanical engineers, physicists, and mathematicians. However, more and more biologists and psychologists are starting to use advanced signal processing techniques and analyses, especially with the influx of the many signal processing programs now available. What is lacking for many of these new users is an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of different techniques. This has happened because the learning curve can be rather steep, especially for those in the biological and psychological sciences, and the theoretical constructs are often ignored or deemed too difficult to comprehend. This also applies to many students and beginning researchers with a physical science background, since various ideas and methodologies are scattered across different texts and manuscripts. The goal of this project is to write a book on animal bioacoustics that brings together ideas, concepts and methods that are often found in diverse texts and manuscripts. We will approach basic principles from the perspective of processing and analyzing acoustic signals emitted by animals. The book will be aimed at advanced undergraduates and beginning graduate students people with some background in sound analysis who come from a background in either an animal communication or signal processing. Our goal will be to make a practical guide by which people can understand and use the tools we have, rather than an theoretical exposition of the frontiers of our field. Such a book that is written with animal bioacousticians in mind is strongly needed in order for the field to grow in a good way. By making bioacoustic signal processing techniques available to a wider audience, we aim to advance the understanding and utility of marine bioacoustics.