A group of scientists from NOAA, Cornell University, and other organizations are working on a mapping project called CETSOUND, which is short for cetaceans and sound. The project has two components. The first is a series of maps showing where and when marine mammals occur in U.S. waters—their migration routes, nursing grounds, and so on. The second is a series of maps showing the estimated noise levels that those areas are exposed to throughout the year.
By overlaying these maps, scientists and decision-makers hope to identify the hotspots for noise that affects marine mammals, so they can better manage the problem.
In May, 2013, the near final CetMap and SoundMap products were reviewed at a conference of stakeholders.
Click here for NOAA’s CETSOUND website.