Listening In: Acoustic Monitoring in NJ Tidal Marshes
LeeAnn Haaf, Samantha Collins & Lisa Ferguson
Tidal marshes are ecologically critical yet increasingly vulnerable coastal systems, and emerging research suggests that soundscape analysis may offer a novel, non-invasive approach to assessing their condition over time. To assess soundscapes and determine anthropogenic influences, we monitored 11 New Jersey tidal marsh along salinity and urbanization gradients. Audio data were collected and analyzed. We found that biological and anthropogenic sound were related to the degree of light pollution. Other preliminary results suggest that loudness was driven by a variety of factors, including the dominance of specific species and anthropogenic sounds.
LeeAnn leads science programming at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE), where she oversees ecological research and assessments of the region’s tidal wetlands. With over 12 years of experience in scientific research and project management, she brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. A triple Dragon, LeeAnn holds a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Drexel University.
Samantha Collins & Lisa Ferguson are associated with The Wetlands Institute.
Note: This meeting will be held in person at the meeting house and via Zoom. Zoom signon will start at 7:15 to enable the meeting to begin at 7:30.