Underwater Sound Recording and Marine Acoustic Ecology Research
First round of underwater hydrophone recordings at three of the Billion Oyster Project (BOP) oyster field stations in New York harbor in June 2022. The field stations, Bushwick Inlet, North 7th St pier and East 90th St pier, were selected to reflect different sound qualities based on each location’s maritime traffic and surrounding environment. Big thanks to BOP team Agata Poniatowski, Robina Taliaferrow and Chris.
As part of our acoustic research for the project, we recorded underwater sound samples at three Billion Oyster Project Field Stations in New York City’s harbor. With these recordings we were able to familiarize ourselves with the soundscape at each of the sites and reference point for future comparison. We recorded data at sites in the Williamsburg Field Station, including the Bushwick Inlet and North 5th Street Pier, and in Manhattan at the East 90th Street Ferry Terminal. Each station had unique sonic qualities and shared acoustic feature. Following are some sound samples from the sites.
North 5th Street Pier Sample #1, Williamsburg, NY, recorded June 8, 2022 12:29pm
In this sound sample we hear water and waves against the pier and toad fish. Most prominent is the sound of a NYC ferry as it berths at the adjacent pier, where the North Williamsburg ferry terminal is located. The sound of the ferry as it hits wooden pilings at 0:35 in the recording is particularly note worthy.
East 90th Street Ferry Terminal Sample #2, Manhattan, NY, recorded June 8, 2022 4:10pm
In this sound sample we hear a NYC ferry as it departs from the adjacent terminal. Listen for a sudden break in audible intensity as the ferry briefly cuts its engines at 0:03 and 0:28 in the recording. During those breaks we hear water flowing, air bubbles popping and a resonant drone from an unidentified source, which is the sites soundscape baseline.
Bushwick Inlet Sample #4, Williamsburg, NY, recorded June 7, 2022 @ 10:38am
In this sound sample we hear water flowing within the inlet, air bubbles popping, toad fish, and a NYC ferry as it passes by. The ferry was about 2500 feet away from our recording location in the inlet. You can hear the peak of its passing at about 0:25 in the recording. Also audible are waves caused by the ferry passing, and a rope as it rubs against the rocking dock, agitated by waves.