Special Issue on Advances in Acoustic Ecology: Acoustics Australia Journal
Acoustics Australia: Special Issue on Advances in Acoustic Ecology
Acoustics Australia is a peer-reviewed journal publishing research and technical papers across diverse areas of acoustics.
Abstract
Natural systems, consisting of biotic and abiotic components, underpin and provide fundamental support for humanity. Yet at a global scale, impacts directly or indirectly attributable to human activities are increasing exponentially, a rate our natural systems cannot withstand. To stem the irreversible loss of natural system components, it is critical we optimise techniques that enable us to monitor systems, species and threats.
The successful interdisciplinary collaboration between computer science and acoustic ecology now, more than ever before, enables us to monitor, detect and respond to soniferous species and soundscapes over previously prohibitive spatio-temporal scales. The resulting advances in acoustic monitoring practices are improving outcomes for a diversity of fields, including conservation, biosecurity, human health and animal welfare.
Here, we apply ‘Acoustic Ecology’ as an umbrella term to capture the fields of bioacoustics and ecoacoustics (also referred to as soundscape ecology). Bioacoustics is the study of sound production, reception and communication among living organisms. Ecoacoustics extends this scope to include the investigation of natural and anthropogenic sounds and their relationship with the environment. At the overlap between bioacoustics and ecoacoustics is the behavioural ecology associated with sound production and reception. Acoustic Ecology spans terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater and marine) systems.
This special issue invites all manuscripts demonstrating advances in, and applications of, acoustic ecology practices.
Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):
- Advances in the integration of machine learning and Acoustic Ecology.
- Application of automated, edge-computing Acoustic Ecology solutions.
- Application of Acoustic Ecology methods to threatened species conservation, ecosystem monitoring and / or ecosystem management.
- Integration of Acoustic Ecology into biosecurity programs.
- Acoustic Ecology techniques to enhance community connectedness with natural systems.
- Novel analyses of acoustic data that improve biological and/or ecological outcomes.
Submission Deadline:
The deadline for manuscripts is 1 March, 2026.