PAM (Passive Acoustic Monitoring)

Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) is a technique used to listen to sounds in the environment, particularly underwater. It involves using hydrophones—special underwater microphones—to detect and record noises made by marine animals, like whales and fish, without disturbing them. Researchers analyze these sounds to study animal behaviors, population sizes, and the impact of environmental changes. PAM is an important tool for conservation, as it helps us understand the underwater ecosystem and the health of marine life without the need for invasive methods.