Vessel Sound Measurement Study 2024

Instructions for private, tour, and/or charter vessels

Principal Researchers:
Tania Lewis, Davyd Betchkal and Chris Gabriele
(National Park Service)
Rebecca Cohen and Dimitri Ponirakis
(Cornell University ,K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, )

In our continuing effort to provide for vessel-based visitation with the least possible noise impacts on people, wildlife, and the marine environment, we are developing an interactive sound propagation model that managers can use to describe and predict vessel noise impacts.

From May 15 ‐ June 26, 2024 we will have calibrated underwater and airborne sound recorders set up between Tlingit Point and Tidal Inlet at the mouth of the West Arm. We hope to measure a variety of vessels at typical speeds for transiting and wildlife viewing.

 

Researcher Tania Lewis near a sound station in Glacier Bay.

NPS Photo / S. Tevebaugh

Step by step Instructions

Vessel safety is paramount. Only attempt this route if conditions allow.

For Tour and Charter Vessels Only:

• If logistics allow, stop by the Visitor Information Station in Bartlett Cove to pick up a handheld GPS unit prior to your trip into Glacier Bay. Communicate with [e-mail] and [e-mail] to coordinate pick‐up and drop‐off.

For Private Vessels Only:

• We will use AIS data to derive vessel positions and speed over ground during transits. If you do not have AIS on your vessel, you may use your onboard GPS system if you can save and share your trackline and corresponding time stamps with us after running the route.

For All Vessels:

• Transit the 1 nautical mile route between the following waypoints on a steady course at your typical transit speed:

  • Northern Waypoint: 58° 47.899' N, 136° 22.558' W

  • Southern Waypoint: 58° 47.371' N, 136° 21.108' W

• The route can be run in either direction, as you travel up‐bay or downbay. It is essential to maintain a steady course at consistent engine RPM and operational conditions from one point to the next. Note your engine RPM and other specifications on the form on page 2.

• No other adjustments to typical operations are needed.

• If you can transit the prescribed route more than once, please do the second run at 12 knots through the water. You may do this on different days that your vessel is in Glacier Bay.

For Tour and Charter Vessels Only:

• Communicate with [e-mail] and Tania [e-mail] to return borrowed NPS GPS units.

For Private Vessels Only:

• Report the date, time, and engine RPM of your transit(s) to the Visitor Information Station when exiting the park or email address below.

• If tracking your transit with your onboard GPS system, email your trackline (with timestamps) to [e-mail].

 

Finally, here's how to report your transit!

Please either 1- Radio Bartlett Cove as you leave the park, or 2- email researcher Chris Gabriele here with the following info:

• Vessel name
• Date and time of transit
• Engine RPMs during transit

For Tour and Charter vessels, in addition to the information above, if you can provide the information below, it is greatly appreciated:

• Sea state (Beaufort Scale)
• Approximate horizontal distance of AIS antenna from the propeller (meters)
• Speed Over Ground during transit (knots)
• Speed Through Water during transit (knots)
• Propulsion system description (engine type, horsepower, number of engines, etc.)
• Was an outdoor public address system in use during transit?
• Number of other motorized vessels within 2 nm of your vessel during transit.
• Any other significant sound-producing equipment in use during transit?
• Additional notes? (Especially any devations from a steady course and speed during transit)

We sincerely appreciate your time and effort to take part in this study. Thank you!