Atlantic Deepwater Ecosystem Observatory Network (ADEON)
An Integrated System for Long-Term Monitoring of Ecological and Human Factors on the Outer Continental Shelf
Lead PI: Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds, University of New Hampshire
Start Year: 2016 | Duration: 5 Years
Partners: BOEM, Office of Naval Research, NOAA, TNO, JASCO, Stony Brook University & OASIS
The Atlantic Deepwater Ecosystem Observatory Network (ADEON) for the U.S. Mid- and South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is currently being developed and is anticipated to be deployed in the summer of 2017. This observatory network will generate long-term measurements of both the natural and human factors active in this region, thus informing the ecology and soundscape of the OCS. These data will provide further a mechanistic understanding of the cumulative impacts these factors have on marine resources and provide insight for ecosystem-based management efforts. Long-term observations of living marine resources and marine sound will assist Federal agencies, including BOEM, ONR, and NOAA, in complying with mandates in the Endangered Species Act (ESA), Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA).
Ocean processes, marine life dynamics, and human ocean-use are each inherently three-dimensional and time-dependent, and each occur at many spatial and temporal scales. No single measurement system (in situ or remote) is sufficient for accurately describing the ocean state variables and so a “multi-platform, multi-variable” observational approach integrated with models is required. The ADEON network will combine passive and active acoustic information with contextual data from space-based remote sensing, hydrographic sensors, and mobile platforms to fully comprehend how human, biologic, and natural abiotic components create the soundscape and influence ecosystem dynamics of the OCS. Measurements made within this research program will serve as a baseline for pattern and trend analyses of ambient sound, and the ecosystem components contributing to the OCS soundscapes in deep waters of the Mid- and South Atlantic (~100 to 1,000 meters in depth).
ADEON goes beyond basic ocean measurements and derived data products related to ecosystem components. Unique and innovative attributes of the work scope include: 1) a standardization task aimed at developing and implementing acoustic metrics and practices across ADEON components and recommending these approaches to other international monitoring programs, 2) network design to identify the appropriate range of extrapolation for point samples, 3) ecological and soundscape modeling to predict potential influence of long‐term change on the marine ecosystems, and 4) web‐based tools to access and visualize multi‐dimensional data streams.
Learn more about ADEON on UNH’s project website.
Annual PI Reports
FY 2016 PI Report