149
© Springer International Publishing AG 2018
M.R. Rossi-Santos, C.W. Finkl (eds.), Advances in Marine Vertebrate Research
in Latin America, Coastal Research Library 22,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56985-7_6
Chapter 6
Bioacoustic Techniques Applied to Odontocete
Conservation and Management in Argentina
Mariana L. Melcón, M. Vanesa Reyes Reyes, and Miguel Iñíguez
Abstract Bioacoustics has become a tool of increasing importance to study cetaceans, due to its great potential to estimate population density, determine habitat
use, and understand seasonal patterns, among other relevant ecological parameters.
These applications convert passive acoustics into a non-invasive tool capable of
gathering information for longer periods of time and in remote areas. After various
efforts to conduct acoustic studies in the country, Argentina started to slowly grow
in the field in the late 2000s. Since then, more reliable and systematic studies have
been conducted on odontocetes as a baseline to better understand their biology, and
to address potential effects of human activities for conservation purposes.
Given the advantages provided by this method, along with its relative low cost, we
encourage other countries in Latin America to use this tool more often. Moreover, considering the most frequent difficulties and challenges we have reviewed from different
research groups to carry out research on cetaceans using bioacoustics, we recommend
establishing international collaborations and specialize human resources in the topic.
Keywords Bioacoustics • Odontocetes • Conservation • Management • Argentina
M.L. Melcón (*)
Fundación Cethus, Gdor Luis Monteverde 3695 (B1636AEM),
Olivos, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
e-mail: marumelcon@gmail.com
M.V. Reyes Reyes • M. Iñíguez
Fundación Cethus, Gdor Luis Monteverde 3695 (B1636AEM),
Olivos, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Whale and Dolphin Conservation, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
e-mail: vanesa.reyes@cethus.org; miguel.iniguez@cethus.org
© Springer International Publishing AG 2018
M.R. Rossi-Santos, C.W. Finkl (eds.), Advances in Marine Vertebrate Research
in Latin America, Coastal Research Library 22,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56985-7_6
Chapter 6
Bioacoustic Techniques Applied to Odontocete
Conservation and Management in Argentina
Mariana L. Melcón, M. Vanesa Reyes Reyes, and Miguel Iñíguez
Abstract Bioacoustics has become a tool of increasing importance to study cetaceans, due to its great potential to estimate population density, determine habitat
use, and understand seasonal patterns, among other relevant ecological parameters.
These applications convert passive acoustics into a non-invasive tool capable of
gathering information for longer periods of time and in remote areas. After various
efforts to conduct acoustic studies in the country, Argentina started to slowly grow
in the field in the late 2000s. Since then, more reliable and systematic studies have
been conducted on odontocetes as a baseline to better understand their biology, and
to address potential effects of human activities for conservation purposes.
Given the advantages provided by this method, along with its relative low cost, we
encourage other countries in Latin America to use this tool more often. Moreover, considering the most frequent difficulties and challenges we have reviewed from different
research groups to carry out research on cetaceans using bioacoustics, we recommend
establishing international collaborations and specialize human resources in the topic.
Keywords Bioacoustics • Odontocetes • Conservation • Management • Argentina
M.L. Melcón (*)
Fundación Cethus, Gdor Luis Monteverde 3695 (B1636AEM),
Olivos, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
e-mail: marumelcon@gmail.com
M.V. Reyes Reyes • M. Iñíguez
Fundación Cethus, Gdor Luis Monteverde 3695 (B1636AEM),
Olivos, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Whale and Dolphin Conservation, 7 Nelson Street, Plymouth, MA 02360, USA
e-mail: vanesa.reyes@cethus.org; miguel.iniguez@cethus.org