Analysis of underwater soundscape conditions at Buck Island Reef National Monument during the COVID-19 pandemic: Focused condition assessment report

In partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Oregon State University, the National Park Service has been collecting continuous acoustic recordings at a stationary autonomous recorder in Buck Island Reef National Monument since 2016. The audio data were previously analyzed to establish baseline soundscape conditions as well as monitor the acoustic presence of vessels and humpback whales. This report specifically investigates potential changes to the soundscape environment during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent “anthro-pause” when human activities such as tourism and commercial shipping were interrupted by public health guidance. Although major declines of anthropogenic activities were observed in other regions of the world, soundscape conditions in Buck Island Reef National Monument were only minimally impacted during early 2020. Furthermore, in latter months of 2020 and into 2021, vessel movement and related noise levels slightly increased from historic levels. Humpback whale vocalizations were also analyzed for seasonal presence in Buck Island Reef National Monument, revealing a consistent pattern with previously analyzed seasons. Ongoing passive acoustic soundscape monitoring will provide data that can be used to evaluate continued impacts of anthropogenic activity in and near Buck Island Reef National Monument.