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Did you know the ocean is a world of sound? Beneath the waves, fish call, shrimp snap, and rain creates an underwater symphony. These sounds aren’t just beautiful—they reveal the ocean’s health. But pollution, climate change, and unchecked development are silencing this story.
Our Unique Approach
Using Passive Acoustic Monitoring (underwater microphones) we record and analyze the soundscapes of the Mesoamerican Reef. These insights help resource managers and communities protect marine life and shape better policies. We also train local residents to analyze these soundscapes and run programs that inspire connections to the ocean through music and art, fostering conservation at every level.
Our goal is to raise $21,000 USD to ensure constant monitoring of the Mesoamerican Reef, maintain our listening stations, and support community workshops. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us preserve the ocean’s voice and protect its future.
Our Success Stories: Your Support in Action
● Global Impact: We showcased our work at the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference, highlighting how science, art, and community protect our oceans.
● Art Meets Science: The Listener Project turned a reef sculpture into a dual-purpose listening station and artificial reef.
● Citizen Science: 25 community members—divers, students, and more—help analyze ocean sounds and advance conservation.
● Workshops: Over 1,500 people have connected with the ocean’s voice, learning to protect marine life through hands-on experiences.
Heather Spence
Stretching over 600 miles through the Caribbean, the MAR is a vital ecosystem, hosting hundreds of fish species, vibrant corals, and key habitats. It sustains millions through tourism, fishing, and coastal protection. This Giving Tuesday, let’s give back. Support Ocean World of Sound and help protect the ocean’s voice for future generations.
Thank you for being part of this journey,
The Ocean World of Sound Team
About Ocean World of Sound (WOS):
WOS es el primer programa de Monitoreo Acústico Pasivo (PAM) en el Arrecife Mesoamericano (MAR). En WOS, analizamos paisajes sonoros del arrecife con el fin de estudiar el ecosistema marino y comprender mejor su relación con nosotros. Nuestra sede se encuentra en Cancún, y operamos a lo largo del Caribe Mexicano, una región altamente dependiente del turismo. Y aunque el turismo ha generado beneficios económicos, también ha provocado un crecimiento exponencial durante los últimos 40 años, ejerciendo una presión significativa sobre los recursos naturales.
El monitoreo sonoro representa un enfoque relativamente nuevo y eficiente en términos de recursos para la recolección de datos, convirtiéndolo en una tecnología ideal para las comunidades costeras de países en vías de desarrollo. Nuestra iniciativa ofrece una herramienta valiosa para los encargados de gestionar Áreas Naturales Protegidas (ANP), complementando sus esfuerzos y actuando como un puente entre la ciencia y la comunidad a través de talleres y la Ciencia Ciudadana. Este enfoque colaborativo fomenta un sentido de propiedad y responsabilidad, fortaleciendo el vínculo entre la comunidad y su entorno marino.
Ocean World of Sound (WOS) is the first Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) program in the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR). We analyze ocean soundscapes to gain a deeper understanding of the marine ecosystem and its relationship with us. Based in Cancun, we operate throughout the Mexican Caribbean, an area heavily reliant on tourism. This region has experienced exponential growth over the past 40 years, placing significant pressure on its natural resources. Our initiative serves as a valuable tool for policymakers and Marine Protected Area (MPA) management, complementing their efforts while also acting as a bridge between science and the community. We offer tools for better listening and innovative ways for individuals to connect with their marine ecosystem.
Sound monitoring is a relatively new, resource-efficient approach for gathering extensive data, making it an ideal technology for low-income coastal communities along the Mesoamerican Reef. WOS is developing a cost-effective and easy-to-implement model that can be replicated throughout the MAR.