Bioacoustic libraries and recordings of aquatic animals

Abstract

Among the major bioacoustic libraries established in several countries since the 1930s, about twelve exist with the resources to preserve and provide public access to their large collections. They specialise in avian vocalisations, but some include recordings of fish, marine mammals and other aquatic animals. Other smaller libraries have significant holdings of underwater recordings. Library procedures include acquiring, organising and storing the sounds and their associated data, and then providing access for external users. The relative merits of different audio storage media are discussed. Digital technology promises improvements in the exchange of sounds and their associated data via computer networks; however, an archivally acceptable standard has not yet arrived. Recordings of biological underwater sounds have various applications in research and education and should be deposited in sound archives to ensure their lasting value.