Management Of Marine Protected Areas Research Articles

Incorporating sense of place into the management of marine protected areas: A case study from New South Wales, Australia

Marine social-ecological systems are experiencing rapid changes across the globe due to a range of threats such as climate change and exploitation (e.g. overfishing). Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are one tool to support the sustainable management of marine systems and resources, however, they are often implemented with mixed success, with one of the key critiques being a lack of consideration of social dimensions. To address this, there have been increased calls for greater consideration of a broad range of social factors, alongside environmental factors in the planning and management of MPAs. One phenomenon that stands to greatly inform and influence the success of MPA management is Sense of Place (SoP), that is, an individual or groups' emotional bond with a given place. While the importance and relevance of SoP is beginning to be acknowledged in the environmental academic literature, there are no documented examples of the phenomenon being incorporated into marine policy or management in a meaningful way. This study seeks to explore why this is the case and how it may be addressed. We achieve this through a case study approach, conducting in depth interviews with decision-makers involved in the management of the New South Wales Marine Estate (i.e. MPA managers), exploring i) their understanding of SoP, ii) their experience in incorporating it into policy, iii) the barriers and iv) enablers in doing so. Results show that despite a limited understanding of SoP, most participants do consider it to be important for marine policy and management and many have attempted to include it in their management efforts, although these attempts are largely centred around general consideration of social values and including diverse voices in policy discussion, as opposed to direct inclusion of SoP per se. A broad range of barriers to incorporating SoP into MPA management were also identified with political barriers, the ambiguity of the concept and challenges in having social values ‘win out’ against economic realities being the most common. Enablers were less commonly identified by study participants, and included the use of SoP as a tool or boundary object to develop shared understandings between stakeholders. We conclude by emphasizing the need for further research on how to improve the incorporation of SoP into MPA management, and outline how this may be achieved through the study of bright spots.

Testing best practices in small scale fisheries management: Evidence from a collaborative intervention in two marine protected areas of the central Mediterranean Sea

Adopting best practices (BPs) in small scale fisheries (SSF) is generally acknowledged to enhance ecological and social conditions, improving SSF management overall. Yet studies that empirically assess the effects of BPs on social-ecological outcomes (e.g., fishers' catches, revenues, and level of support towards management measures) remain limited. This study aimed to assess the effects of adopting BPs on catch per unit of effort (CPUE), revenue per unit of effort (RPUE) and small-scale fishers' perceptions in two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Campania, Italy (Santa Maria di Castellabate (CAS-MPA) and Regno di Nettuno (NET-MPA)). Two BPs were implemented and tested in the two MPAs: i) five selective gears with three different mesh/hook sizes and ii) a participatory approach to increase dialogue between fishers and managers. The results from 36 surveys with small scale fishers and 158 SSF operations monitored using photo-sampling and image analysis techniques (between 2020 and 2022) are presented. Analyses of landings showed that significant differences in CPUE and RPUE between mesh/hook sizes were found in a limited number of cases (i.e., combination of fishing gears used in the 2 MPAs). Significant but divergent effects were found on CPUE in the two MPAs for gillnet used to target amberjack (GNA) only. RPUE was significantly higher in the NET-MPA when adopting the largest mesh size for GNA and the largest hook size for bottom longlines (BLL). When analyzing perceptions, fishers generally reported that the BPs adopted had a positive impact on their revenues, improved their relationship with MPA managers and increased their support for the MPA. In addition, eight stakeholder focus groups were held which helped investigators better understand the context, feedback the data gathered from the research and open up dialogue between the relevant stakeholders. The study concluded that increasing mesh/hook sizes, within the range tested here, does not negatively impact fishers’ revenues, while likely improving the status of target populations. Moreover, increasing dialogue between fishers and decision-makers can generate more positive perceptions towards the MPA and improve mutual understanding, helping to reconcile biodiversity conservation with human wellbeing for SSF.

Reef fish biodiversity and occurrence of endangered sharks within a small marine protected area off Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean

AbstractMarine protected areas (MPAs) are common conservation tools supporting the protection of threatened marine fishes, such as sharks. However, the creation of shark MPAs has been less common in the Greater Caribbean region despite a growing need and opportunity. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence of shark and reef fish biodiversity off Sint Maarten, Dutch Caribbean, with a particular emphasis on endangered shark presence within the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area (MPA). We utilized baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVs) to gather non-invasive data on the abundance and diversity of reef fish and shark species inside and outside the local MPA. Generalized linear models (GLMs) revealed no significant effect of protection status on the presence of the endangered Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi). However, we found a significant influence of depth on shark occurrence, as well as an effect of habitat type on shark and reef fish biodiversity, with reef habitats showing the greatest significance. These results suggest that the effect of small coastal MPAs on bolstering local endangered species conservation in the Dutch Caribbean is likely to vary according to habitat features and how those species utilize those habitats across various life stages. These findings have implications for adaptive MPA management, which should be informed by the ecology and habitat preferences of target species to achieve maximum benefits for biodiversity conservation.

Post-Pandemic Shifts in Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors in a Marine Protected Area

Interest in understanding environmental attitudes and behaviors after traumatic events has been widely studied, but research specific to the COVID-19 pandemic has yielded inconclusive results. This study addresses a gap by exploring the relationship between COVID-19 and pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in marine protected areas (MPAs), which are vital for preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity. We focus on scuba divers’ environmental attitudes and behaviors within an MPA, using a mixed methodology that combines surveys based on the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale with covert participant observation. Our findings indicate a moderate increase in pro-environmental concerns post-pandemic, particularly regarding nature’s fragility. However, a gap remains between expressed attitudes and actual behaviors, with notable differences in pro-ecological behavior during leisure activities compared to behavior at home. Additionally, risk perception related to COVID-19 has gained prominence, often overshadowing environmental concerns. This study contributes to a better understanding of environmental attitudes and behaviors in the context of MPAs during the ongoing social changes post-COVID-19. These insights can guide more sustainable management of MPAs and inform future research, which should further explore these trends in similar contexts.

A deep learning classification framework for research methods of marine protected area management

The latest emerging transdisciplinary marine protected area (MPA) research scheme requires efficient approaches for theoretically based and data-driven method integration. However, due to the rapid development and diversification of research methods, it is growingly difficult to locate new methods in methodological dimensions and integrate them to the utmost utility. This study proposes a deep learning-based classification framework for MPA management methods focused particularly on data and theory capabilities using natural language processing (NLP). It extracted keywords from academic sources and performed clustering based on semantic similarity, generating benchmark texts for abstract labeling. By training the deep learning NLP model and analyzing the abstracts of 9049 MPA management empirical research articles from 1986 to 2024, the data and theory scores were attributed to each article, and a total of 19 major method categories and 110 segment branches were identified in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed genres. Combination types of research methods were summarized, yielding the data-theory neutralization principle where the average data and theory scores tend to approximate 0.50. Applying the principle broadens traditional boundaries for method integration and extends method synthesis to higher numbers, generating a practical research 2paradigm for future MPA research. Implications include bridging social and ecological data, theorizing emergent challenges in complex systems and integrating theory construction and data science. The framework is applicable to quantification of other environmental management disciplines and can serve as guidance for multidisciplinary method integration.© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of the Management of Protected Areas in Galapagos: 60 Years after Its Declaration as a National Park

The Galapagos Islands are one of the most emblematic protected areas on the planet and also one of the most studied. Their main economic activity is tourism, which has grown rapidly in recent years. The increase in tourists is associated with the increase in population and the introduction of invasive species, which puts conservation at risk. This makes adequate management even more necessary and relevant on an international scale since the economy of Galapagos depends on the good state of conservation of its ecosystems and species. Numerous studies have shown that social factors, rather than physical–natural ones, determine the success or failure of a marine protected area (MPA), so they must be urgently incorporated into all phases of MPA management. In this study, we analyzed the management of the protected areas of Galapagos, including the National Park and the Marine Reserve, with the purpose of highlighting their weaknesses and strengths. The methodology used presents five prescribed scenarios in which priority is given to one or other factors, each of which has an impact on the biophysical and socio-economic systems that are influenced by the MPA. These scenarios were called proactive, interactive, centralized, learning, and formal management. Data were obtained through a comprehensive literature review and primary data collection methods, including in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and DPNG managers, as well as direct observations. Interviewees covered the main relevant sectors in the archipelago (fishing, tourism, and conservation). The results show that the archipelago’s protected areas follow a proactive management model with a continuous feedback loop. This feedback is a key element in any adaptive management process, which also allows practitioners to anticipate future problems. Both public participation and strategic planning are essential.

Multifaceted biological indicators reveal an effective conservation scheme for marine protected areas

Marine protected areas are set up across the globe to safeguard biodiversity and support coastal ecosystem functioning. In Hong Kong, partially protected marine parks and a no-take marine reserve have been managed under legislation for years, yet a comprehensive evaluation of their conservation impact is still pending despite the region’s reputation for high marine diversity. Most studies assess conservation effectiveness solely in terms of taxonomic diversity, without delving into the contributions of functional and phylogenetic diversity. In this study, we used environmental DNA combined with multifaceted diversity indicators to assess the impact of the level of protection on the fish community in Hong Kong waters. Our results indicated that the marine protected areas significantly contributed to fish community conservation. The no-take marine reserve exhibited the highest taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity, while partially protected marine parks showed the most balanced community composition. No significant increase in fish functional diversity was found in the protected areas. Water quality, hydrological condition, and protection level were the primary factors affecting community variation for taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, respectively. Fish species composition significantly varied with different protection levels, and species turnover was the main component of the dissimilarity. Future management of marine protected areas should assess multifaceted biological indicators and establish a rational conservation scheme.

Acoustic telemetry and network analysis reveal seasonal spatial overlap between gadid species in a subarctic coastal marine protected area

The Gilbert Bay marine protected area (MPA) was established in Labrador, Canada to protect a resident population of Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua) and associated habitat. However, fisheries removals outside MPA boundaries have contributed to population decline and increases in potentially competing species may hinder recovery. Using acoustic telemetry and network analyses, we compared movements of Gilbert Bay cod ( n = 23), conspecifics from offshore environments (offshore Atlantic cod, n = 19), and Greenland cod ( Gadus ogac, n = 14) within and outside MPA boundaries from August 2014 to June 2017. Similar summer space use resulted in species overlap at seaward MPA boundaries and outside the MPA. In winter, Gilbert Bay cod and Greenland cod distributions overlapped within some MPA areas, and offshore Atlantic cod were absent. Some Gilbert Bay cod remained within the MPA year-round. Summer vulnerability to fisheries harvest outside MPA boundaries and winter overlap with competing Greenland cod within the MPA, may collectively challenge Gilbert Bay cod population recovery. Our study demonstrates the utility of acoustic telemetry and network analyses in evaluating animal movements for MPA management.

Conserving ecosystem integrity: Ecological theory as a guide for marine protected area monitoring.

Global policies increasingly focus on the importance of maintaining or improving the integrity of ecosystems, but defining, assessing, and monitoring integrity in marine protected areas (MPAs) remains a challenge. In this paper, we conceptualized ecological integrity along dimensions of heterogeneity and stability containing seven components: physical structure, diversity, function, persistence, resistance, resilience, and natural variability. Through a structured literature search, we identified indicators and metrics used for quantifying ecosystem status components in the marine environment, then reviewed MPA management plans worldwide for inclusion of these components. We evaluated 202 papers applying 83 ecological indicators built from 72 metrics. Ecosystem components were most comprehensively addressed by metrics of taxa presence, organisms count, and area occupied by benthic organisms, and community structure, biomass, and percent cover indicators. Of the 557 MPA management plans we reviewed globally, 93% used at least one ecosystem status term or its synonym in an ecologically relevant context, but 39% did not address any components of stability. In particular, resistance was mentioned in only 1% of management plans, but in some cases it may be inferred from indicators and metrics used to track the best addressed component in management plans, diversity. Plans for MPAs with both an ecological/biological purpose and a research and education purpose contained ecosystem status terms more frequently than other plans, suggesting that engagement with the scientific community may have improved the application of these terms. An improved understanding of how to operationalize and measure ecological integrity can help MPA monitoring and management.

Marine connectivity conservation: Guidance for MPA and MPA network design and management

The importance of considering ecological connectivity in the design of marine protected areas (MPAs) and ecologically coherent networks of protected areas across coasts and oceans has risen in prominence with the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This short communication highlights key messages emerging from a specialist conference session on marine connectivity by members of the IUCN-WCPA Marine Connectivity Working Group at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver in 2023. We consider the importance of spatial and temporal scale, knowledge and data gaps and some of the technological and scientific advances that are generating insights into species movements that can inform the ecologically meaningful design of protected areas for effective conservation of ecosystem integrity, biodiversity and the flow of ecosystem services.

Investigating artisanal fishers’ support for MPAs: Evidence from the Tuscan Archipelago (Mediterranean Sea)

In order to meet the “30 by 30” target of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, efforts for establishing new marine protected areas (MPAs) in European seas will increase in the upcoming years, thus affecting an increasing number of stakeholders. However, despite widely distributed across the globe, many MPAs fail to achieve their goals due to the little weight attributed to fishers’ perception as well as their scarce involvement in the different stages of MPA, from planning to management. Using the Tuscan Archipelago as a model system, we gathered artisanal fishers perceptions of MPAs and investigated potential drivers for MPA support. Information was also collected on the level of satisfaction on and involvement into current management of coastal environments, as well as fishers management proposals. Data was gathered from a sample of 27 artisanal fishers (representing 30 % of total fishers) through semi-structured interviews based on an opportunistic+snowball sampling strategy. Several fishers express positive perceptions towards the MPA concept, as long as fishers involvement is granted. Fishers open to the MPA concept are also available to change fishing gear and areas if an MPA includes their usual fishing grounds. Our results suggest that the effectiveness of MPAs in sustaining coastal biodiversity and associated harvestable stocks could be enhanced by the involvement of artisanal fishers in MPA establishment and management.

Marine protected areas and fishing community well-being: An example from statewide socioeconomic monitoring of the California MPA network

As marine protected areas (MPAs) continue to proliferate as an ocean conservation tool, it is important to understand their socioeconomic outcomes, both in the short-term following implementation and in the long-term as they become a more permanent part of the ocean landscape. This paper presents results from an effort to conduct long-term socioeconomic monitoring of commercial fishing communities in relation to California's statewide MPA network, which was fully implemented in 2012 and consists of 124 MPAs covering 16% of state waters. To assess commercial fishing community perceptions of well-being and outcomes from the MPA network, we held virtual focus groups in 18 major port-based commercial fishing communities across California with a total of 85 participants from 2020 to 2021. Focus groups had both quantitative and qualitative components, with participants rating their fishing community and engaging in discussions on topics related to their environmental, economic, and social well-being and MPA outcomes. Results revealed that perceptions of fishing community well-being varied throughout the state, but were overall low. Key areas for improvement included recruitment and retention of participants in the fishing industry, availability and maintenance of key fishing infrastructure, and access to harvestable resources. Fishing community perceptions of the management and outcomes from the MPA network were overwhelmingly low across the state with little variation. Common reasons for participant dissatisfaction included perceptions of negative ecological and livelihood outcomes from the MPAs and a perceived lack of clear MPA management goals in addition to poor communication of those goals. Overall findings highlight the value of collecting community well-being data in coordination with long-term socioeconomic MPA monitoring to understand the greater context in which MPAs are received. A well-being approach to socioeconomic MPA monitoring also broadens policy pathways that could help improve outcomes from and beyond MPAs to support overall fishing community health.

Highlighting the gap on spatial regulatory data in the official MPAs databases

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are a cornerstone for conserving marine ecosystems. Legal instruments and directives have been put in place to foster conservation of species and habitats; among all, the development and implementation of a coherent network of effective MPAs. Spatial information on management measures and on regulated, forbidden or allowed activities are fundamental to understand the actual role of MPAs and to support/guide policy decisions. The shortage of standardized geospatial information on MPA management, governance features, and human uses hinders policy makers’ ability to make informed decisions regarding the designation, implementation and evaluation of marine associated policies. This policy brief aims to stimulate international actions to enable researchers and decision-makers accessing data for policy development, marine/maritime spatial planning and decision-making processes.

The role of environmental impact assessments in the establishment and management of marine protected areas under the UNCLOS and the BBNJ Agreement

AbstractThis article analyses the role of environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in establishing and managing marine protected areas (MPAs) in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Agreement under the UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). The analysis is conducted by discussing Articles 194 and 205–206 of the UNCLOS and Articles 27–28 and 30 of the BBNJ Agreement. It concludes that the interaction between EIA and MPAs in ABNJ is not only desirable but also critical for the success of MPAs. The BBNJ Agreement operationalises the role of EIAs in establishing and managing MPAs under the UNCLOS by (1) granting EIA an important role in assessing the susceptibility of an MPA to the impact of certain human activities and (2) factoring part of indicative criteria for identifying potential MPAs in the list of criteria to be considered for conducting EIA screening.

Power and participation: A systematic review of marine protected area engagement through participatory science Methods

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a critical part of the marine resource management community’s toolbox in seeking a sustainable and vibrant global ocean system. The processes of community engagement with MPAs, however, are rooted in pre-existing power dynamics inherent in environmental governance systems and influenced by historical contexts of colonialism. Marine governance has historically operated in a top-down manner, imposing exclusionary forms of conservation on local communities without affording them equitable power in the process. Meaningful engagement of community members in MPAs has been suggested as one of the key enabling conditions that drive successful marine protection. Specifically, participatory science methods have the potential to engage local communities, elevate local voices and expertise, and strengthen both local communities and scientific learning. This systematic scoping review assesses the peer-reviewed literature to understand the quality and nature of participatory science methods that have been used to engage communities in MPAs. The review highlights that, while participatory science methods are not uncommon in MPAs, they seldom challenge existing power dynamics. The results of this review show that power in MPA processes related to participatory science is generally retained by conventional researchers and MPA managers. Based on these findings, the authors provide recommendations to marine resource management researchers and practitioners to help the ocean governance community support greater power sharing with local communities through equitable and locally appropriate participatory science methods.

Cetacean integration measures in MPA management plans in America

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are key strategies for marine conservation that strive to protect biological diversity and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources. Due to their wide distribution and mobility, cetaceans are exposed to numerous threats. Well-managed MPAs are one of the most effective tools in managing these threats to conserve cetaceans. This study aimed to analyze and compare the existing management approaches toward cetaceans from selected MPAs in the American continent. The purpose was to assess their primary failures and advances. To achieve this, ten MPAs that include at least one cetacean species as a focal conservation target were selected from 10 different countries: five in the Atlantic Ocean and five in the Pacific Ocean. The Marine Mammals Management Self-Assessment Toolkit was used to evaluate the integration of cetaceans in MPA management plans. This toolkit assigns scores to several subjects that are categorized into four themes: 1) Management Frameworks, 2) Addressing Activities and Threats, 3) Research and Monitoring, 4) Outreach and Engagement. Thereafter, a final percentage was obtained for each MPA. The Marine Mammal Sanctuary Bancos de la Plata y la Navidad in the Dominican Republic achieved the highest score. This MPA presented a specific plan to conserve marine mammals that includes zoning of environmentally sensitive areas and considers the threats and activities affecting marine mammals. The five MPAs with the lowest scores were from South America, with Cabo Polonio National Park (Uruguay) being the lowest, as its management plan does not include measures focused on cetaceans. In addition, a lack of monitoring in MPAs results in an absence of information on their impact on marine mammals. Addressing this shortcoming is of utmost importance for informing future MPA planning strategies. To conclude, this study highlights the importance of incorporating mitigation measures targeting priority species and underscores governance structures to regulate anthropogenic threats through robust legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms.

Preventing poaching in marine protected areas: A crime script analysis to inform interventions

Ubiquitous poaching poses a persistent challenge to marine protected areas (MPAs) management. The global consensus to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 has heightened the importance of effective MPA management. However, the law enforcement capacity for open-access common pool issues is frequently constrained. There remains an ongoing imperative to expand the knowledge on how to combat poaching. Drawing from environmental criminology approaches, this paper illustrates crime scripts of documented poaching cases in Taiwan's MPAs over the past decade to detail crime commission process and develops prevention strategies. We identify that poachers were often involved shore-based diving, shoreline handpicking and poaching by boats during clear summer evenings in easily accessible MPAs. To prevent marine poaching, suggested key interventions include managing access and exists, controlling fishing equipment, rationally deploying patrolling capacity and natural surveillance measures, creating traceable seafood supply chains, and increasing public vigilance and awareness. Environmental criminology approaches make poaching predictable and enable the precise allocation of law enforcement resources at a certain level. To further improve effectiveness of prevention strategies, we highlight the need to periodically review crime scripts and associated policies when new cases are identified. In addition, incorporating techniques from the best practices in MPA management into prevention strategies can also enhance the effectiveness of environmental criminology approaches in MPA poaching. This paper can inform the development of interventions and enhancing the management of MPAs toward global objectives.

Analysis of Participatory Approaches of Community-Based Sustainable Marine Protected Area Management Groups

This study was conducted to see the role of community participation in the management of community-based marine protected areas. In addition, this study also shows the impact of conservation area management on improving community welfare and improving the quality of the environment. The research design used is a mixed method which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis uses in-depth interview methods with resource persons, while quantitative analysis uses the one-sample test method to test respondents' perceptions related to research variables. The research sample consisted of the Head of the Management Group, Village Head, Traditional Head, Religious Leaders, and Community Member Representatives in Roon District, Teluk Wondama Regency, West Papua, Indonesia. Research findings show that the role of the community in the management of conservation areas is very high, this can be seen from the supervisors of conservation area management groups consisting of Government, Religious, and Social groups. In addition, active participation from the community around the conservation area is also the key to the success of good area management. The findings of one sample test showed, that 1) The participation of members of the Marine Protected Area group has been classified as high, 2) Sasi culture has been proven to affect the income level of the community, 3) Member participation has been proven to be active in decision making, 4) The existence of Sasi has been proven to increase the sustainability of natural resources, 5) Proven to successfully contribute to the achievement of SDG number 14.

Enhancing climate change planning and adaptive management in marine protected areas through targets, thresholds, and social-ecological objectives

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are being deployed globally to protect the Earth’s biodiversity in rapidly changing oceans. Nesting climate change considerations within adaptive MPA management and monitoring is becoming a more common approach, and while climate change is increasingly addressed in MPA planning, implementation gaps remain. This study applied the climate robustness index (CRI) to MPA monitoring plans to assess how climate change is outlined within site- and regional-level plans. Previously developed to assess MPA management plans, the CRI scores plans based on their degree of incorporation of climate change adaptation principles, including core elements of adaptive management. We supplemented our CRI findings for monitoring plans by associating index scores of MPAs in the United States with selected MPA traits, as well as by examining specific physical, ecological, and sociological climate change impacts that were being considered within the monitoring scope of a subset of monitoring plans. We found considerable gaps in actionable targets and thresholds in MPA monitoring plans, consistent with a previous study evaluating MPA management plans, demonstrating that the adaptive management cycle is incomplete in many cases. We consider the importance of completing the adaptive management cycle as a core climate adaptation strategy, and explore the roles of social-ecological objectives and local partnerships as avenues to continue to improve MPA outcomes in a changing world.

Cetacean presence and ambient sound level analysis in Bermuda: A comparison to historical records

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are established to conserve nature while also preserving ecosystem services and cultural values. Many ongoing MPA discussions are centered on offshore islands, including Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory in the North Atlantic Ocean, which is currently assessing a management plan to protect 20% of its EEZ. Marine mammals are essential targets to monitor as part of effective MPA management because they are keystone species. In addition, as human activities raise ocean noise levels worldwide, monitoring ambient sound levels is essential to evaluating impacts on marine ecosystems. We collected nine months of passive acoustic data (at 250 kHz sampling rate and with 24-bit resolution) between December 2021 and September 2022, approximately 24 nm south of Bermuda, close to a location where previous studies were conducted in 1966 and 2013–2014. The cetacean presence and ambient sound levels derived from our dataset will be compared to these historical datasets. Our comparative analysis focused on humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), and beaked whales (family Ziphiidae). Results will illustrate how Bermuda’s offshore underwater soundscape has changed over nearly six decades.