The Ocean Life Survey ADAMS (Acoustic Deterrence Attraction Monitoring System) is a cost effective multifunctional & multipurpose acoustic system, for marine, freshwater & terrestrial habitat & species detection, monitoring, attraction, deterrence & protection.
Description & Function:
The Ocean Life Survey (OLS), Acoustic Deterrence Attraction Monitoring System (ADAMS) has been designed & developed by OLS for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species and habitat conservation, monitoring, enhancement and protection applications.
The ADAMS is designed to provide acoustic detection or monitoring of species and habitats, the targeted attraction of certain species where desired, and the deterrence or temporary displacement of target species where required.
Acoustic Monitoring
The ADAMS can deliver environmental, habitat and species acoustic monitoring, using its waterproof microphone, providing terrestrial microphone and underwater hydrophone capability, allowing live and recorded detections of, species and natural and human activity threats, in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments.
Acoustic Attraction
The ADAMS can deliver species attraction and habitat creation, by using its waterproof speaker on land, or underwater in playback function, playing a specific targeted recording for instance to:
Acoustic Deterrence
The ADAMS can deliver acoustic deterrence, by using its waterproof speaker and underwater speaker and operating in playback function playing a specific targeted recording for instance to:
Acoustic Playback Attraction & Deterrence
The ADAMS has been designed to operate on land and in water, with deployment in water allowing acoustic playback above the water's surface, at the water's surface, and below the water's surface (through the water column). This can allow for selected acoustic playback to be made for species attraction and deterrence (and human information and communication). The ADAMS can deploy acoustic playback continuously for up to 28 hours (or for over 50 hours with an additional powerpack) on its own internal battery (tested @ 20 degrees centigrade).
Acoustic Attraction:
Playing recordings of target species can be used for instance to attract terrestrial wildlife to a certain area, for monitoring, survey, breeding, colonization purposes, for instance bird and mammal species.
In the marine environment it could for instance be used to attract seabird and marine mammal species to a specific area, and to attract free swimming coral larvae to settle on an area to replenish or form a new natural or artificial reef. The same principle may be used in freshwater environments for related species. OLS can provide species targeted sound files by custom arrangement.
Acoustic Deterrence:
Playing specific recordings to deter target species from a specific area, the ADAMS can be deployed on land and in the water.
On land and for terrestrial species, it can be equipped with relevant sound files and deployed to deter grazing species from crops or forestry, predators from livestock or protected wildlife, and birds from airport runways etc... In the terrestrial environment the ADAMS can also be deployed for deterrence purposes by similarly playing sound files targeted to deter the presence of specific species. OLS can deliver custom sound files for intended target species.
For the marine environment, the ADAMS has also been primarily designed to improve on the function and reduce the negative impacts of traditional ADD’s (Acoustic Deterrent Devices), used for marine mammal and megafauna deterrence, and in consideration of recent research assessments and decisions (including March 2023 report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission and following Scottish Government decision).
The ADAMS is designed to solicit a natural limited avoidance response to deter such species from a given area, by mimicking/replaying the natural of sound of a marine predatory species, rather than creating a distressing false sound or by harmful increased amplitude of the sound, both of which other forms of ADD’s utilize, and which have been found to cause pain and permanent damage to the hearing of the target species.
The natural sound deterrents used by the ADAMS is used so that it is a sound that resident site area specific marine mammal (and other megafauna) species populations will recognize as a potential transient (to the immediate area) large predator passing through influencing them to leave the area temporarily, rather than an unknown sound that may risk a permanent presence/threat soliciting the resident marine mammal species to stay away from the area of previous acoustic deployment permanently.
The ADAMS marine deterrent version is supplied with natural sound files, and has been tailored to deter and protect marine mammal and potentially mega-fauna species such as sharks and turtles, from harmful interactions with vessels, fishing boats, nets and shark nets.
ADAMS utilizes a reduced maximum sound output level of 5 Watts/85 decibels sensitivity, and adjustable sound level (between 0 – 5W/0-85db), rather than 170 –200db output level of traditional ADDS. This allows the ADAMS sound output to be adjusted both manually before deployment & remotely during deployment, to limit the deterrence to a smaller target area/s, mitigating and reducing any unwanted wider deterrence from the target area, therefore reducing environmental impact, when compared to traditional ADD’s.
ADAMS (unlike traditional ADD’s), allows for the soundtrack and volume to be adjusted, selected and set. This is true for both a pre deployment autonomous configuration of sound source and volume setting, and also for remote real time adjustment allowing for volume adjustment, acoustic track selection/play/stop, and unit operation switch on and off, during deployment. These pre deployment control/setting ability, and real time operation and adjustment of the system abilities, allow an operator to target/adjust usage for more targeted species, durations, and limited sound emissions to specific areas, which can again further reduce environmental impact, and reduce the risk of target species becoming accustomed to and ignoring the sound signature.
The ADAMS has five main playback options:
The ADAMS also has the capacity to update and change the sound signature by these five different methods, firstly via changing the sound files on SD card in the speaker system, secondly via remote Blue-Tooth connection, thirdly via FM transmission, fourthly via AUX connected device, and fifthly via USB/U port for a connected USB/U disk. This allows OLS or the user to update or customize their system if required, should either the target species become accustomed to and start ignoring the baseline/included sound files, or the user wishes to use the system for other species or uses.
The ADAMS (MS) marine species deterrent version is provided with a mini-SD card which contains 3 sound files (and space for further sound files which can be provided by OLS or added by the customer/operator), which in testing have solicited a stealthy (rather than panicked full flight) avoidance response in all marine mammal species which have so far been encountered. Successful vessel-based testing using playback of the three sound files has taken place with both cetacean and pinniped species, including Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Bryde's whale, and Gray Seal.
The nature of the sound file used by the ADAMS, has also been assessed in independent scientific studies as having no discernable effect on smaller fish species, which importantly may allow the ADAMS system to be used in conjunction with fishing operations, to reduce marine mammal and other marine mega- fauna bycatch.
In terms of deterrence the ADAMS is designed as a non-injurious acoustic marine mammal deterrent system, to be either a standalone system or to be used attached to floating nets, vessels or to other marine infrastructure. The system can be readily deployed in any marine/estuarine/freshwater environment from any vessel (small or large, stationary or underway), and on varying marine structures, buoys, etc...to deter and displace marine mammals (and potentially other marine megafauna species including shark and turtle species) from a given marine/aquatic area.
The system is primarily designed to protect marine mammals (and other megafauna), from harmful interactions with fishing vessels/nets, shark nets, accidental ship vessel collision, seismic survey operations, naval sonar, and other potential harmful marine based human industrial activity, but it could also be used for the purpose of providing protection to vessels, divers, and civilian assets from potentially harmful marine mammal/megafauna interactions.
The ADAMS marine species deterrence device, operates by way of using a unique underwater acoustic signature, which harnesses a natural acoustic deterrence, which almost all marine mammals (and other marine mega species) will avoid. The acoustic deterrent, by its nature does not cause any physical harm to the marine mammals (or other marine life) but solicits a deterrence or mild flight behavioral response from the marine mammals (and other marine megafauna) to the area/source the acoustic playback source, displacing and deterring their presence temporarily (during system operation) from a particular area.
The ADAMS MG (marine growth deterrent system) can also be deployed in the marine environment with a high frequency sound file to be used on/above/adjacent/near to marine infrastructure/vessels to deter marine growth settling on underwater hulls and surfaces etc...
The key to the deterrent and attraction functions of ADAMS is the acoustic signature/sound, which is provided as a sound file contained on a Micro SD card (supplied with an adaptor), and which can be inserted into the base unit, for manual switch on and continuous playback operation, or into a phone, tablet, laptop, PC, FM transmitter or other device for blue-tooth or FM transmission.
The ADAMS also has blue tooth 5 remote capability which allows the sound to switched on and played from a blue-tooth and audio capable device (either playing the sound files by downloading them from, or inserting and playing directly from the micro-SD card), which can then transmit the audio file to the base unit remotely from up to 33 feet distance at the surface.
The FM function of the unit, will allow the sound files to be received and played as an FM Radio signal, from a tuned in FM transmitter linked to a capable device which them plays and transmits the sound files (either by playing the sound files by downloading them from, or inserting and playing directly from the micro-SD card) as FM radio signal.
The Aux port on the ADAMS and included lead also allows for devices to be plugged straight into the system for playback operations.
The U port on the ADAMS can also be used to allow USB/U disc to be connected for playback operations.
Acoustic Monitoring - Microphone & Hydrophone Functionality:
As well as containing a speaker for playback deterrence, the ADAMS is also fitted with its own IPX7 waterproof microphone, allowing it the capacity to act as either a terrestrial microphone or as an underwater hydrophone and acoustic monitoring system (using the underwater housing). This can allow it for instance to act as a terrestrial and underwater acoustic close detection system for vocalizing species such as terrestrial/sea birds and mammals.
In the terrestrial environment it could be used for remote species and habitat monitoring, by recording species vocalizations, and any other acoustic activity (natural and human).
In the aquatic environment, species such as marine mammals, or other natural acoustics (fish, reef, seismic, etc...) and manmade (vessel etc...) underwater sounds, can be detected and recorded via a connected compatible Blue-tooth device (such as a PC, Laptop, PC or smartphone etc...). The microphone/hydrophone function works by blue-tooth connection with a compatible device such as PC, Laptop, tablet, phone etc.. which with its own standard recording software allowing for recording, listening, and subsequent analysis.
The ADAMS allows three acoustic monitoring connecting options:
The AMADS can operate as a microphone or hydrophone for up to 40 hours (tested @20 degrees centigrade) on its own internal battery.
ADAMS Build & Deployment
The ADAMS base unit is IPX7 waterproof, and for further underwater protection can be encased in a provided underwater housing/dry bag, which has a 20-meter waterproof depth rating. It can be deployed by hand on land or at the water's surface (from a vessel, structure, shoreline) to either float on the surface (attached or unattached) or can be weighed down to sit below the water's surface.
This ADAMS is also designed to be lightweight, and small in size. This firstly allows it to be easily carried, deployed, operated, and recovered by a single person. In the aquatic environment it can be attached to a net, a buoy, a vessel, a marine structure, or floating unattached on the water's surface. It also allows for use and or deployment by a diver/snorkeler, either for a shallow underwater deployment/attachment, or attached to the snorkeler/diver themselves for personal operation (deterrence, attraction, or monitoring).
Secondly the small size and low weight also allows the ADAMS to be carried by and deployed from a small off the shelf aerial drone system, such as a DJI Phantom drone.
Thirdly its size, weight and low positive buoyancy also allows it to be carried and deployed by small UROV systems (such as a Chasing Gladius MINI UROV), for underwater deployment/attachment.
The ADAMS has been tested and can operate on its own self-contained re-chargeable power source continuously for up to 28 hours (@20 degrees centigrade ambient temperature) providing acoustic playback at maximum volume (from the micro-SD card)
The ADAMS (and drybag) system also allows for the option of an additional adjoined battery pack for extended operations, with over 50 hours with a 10000mAh (more powerful power-banks will increase continuous operational hours). To switch the additional battery pack for a replacement only takes under a minute at the surface. The base unit internal battery can be charged in 5 hours, and the power-banks recharged as per their specifications.
The base unit underwater system/speaker unit is itself IPX7 waterproof rated (up to 1 meter depth for up to 30 minutes) and is buoyant and will float at the water's surface. The base system comes with rubber loop which can be used for attachment. However, the system is designed to be used in aquatic (and terrestrial) environments within the drybag, with the combined system positively buoyant in water.
The ADAMS system (within the drybag) is designed to be able to operate in aquatic environments both at the surface and submerged. Firstly, floating at the surface partially submerged with the main speaker output and microphone facing down within the water column (to detect or produce the underwater sound deterrent through the water column), and with the rear speaker output facing up out of the water. This allows operational sound checks to be made from above the water's surface together with providing some surface acoustic deterrent.
Secondly, fully submerged it can operate to detect or produce the underwater sound deterrent through the water column. However, at increased depth the water pressure will reduce the front and rear speaker's ability to vibrate and create sound, thus reducing volume output.
The base unit is designed to be contained within the provided durable 20-meter depth rated waterproof case/drybag (28x18cm flat) which also allows space for an optional additional power pack or device such as mobile phone (measuring within 100mm x 65mm x20mm). The bag and contained base unit can then be attached to a net/buoy/vessel/drone/diver/snorkeler/surfboard/etc.., by tying on using the drybags attached rope/cord line, or by attaching via a clip or other mechanism.
The key to the deterrent and attraction functions of ADAMS is the acoustic signature/sound, which is provided as a sound file contained on a Micro SD card (supplied with an adaptor), and which can be inserted into the base unit, for manual switch on and continuous playback operation, or into a phone, tablet, laptop, PC, FM transmitter or other device for blue-tooth or FM transmission.
The ADAMS also has blue tooth 5 remote capability which allows the sound to switched on and played from a blue-tooth and audio capable device (either playing the sound files by downloading them from, or inserting and playing directly from the micro-SD card), which can then transmit the audio file to the base unit remotely from up to 33 feet distance at the surface.
The FM function of the unit, will allow the sound files to be received and played as an FM Radio signal, from a tuned in FM transmitter linked to a capable device which them plays and transmits the sound files (either by playing the sound files by downloading them from, or inserting and playing directly from the micro-SD card) as FM radio signal.
The Aux port on the ADAMS and included lead also allows for devices to be plugged straight into the system for playback operations.
The U port on the ADAMS can also be used to allow USB/U disc to be connected for playback operations.
Primary intended uses include:
Additional uses include:
Operational capability:
Size and weights:
System components:
Ocean Life Survey can provide the ADAMS systems with an OLS operator together with specialist acoustic files to deliver targeted operations around the world, or provide the ADAMS from Ocean Life Survey for customer operation by custom arrangement. Please contact us with your enquiry for further details.
Description & Function:
The Ocean Life Survey (OLS), Acoustic Deterrence Attraction Monitoring System (ADAMS) has been designed & developed by OLS for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial species and habitat conservation, monitoring, enhancement and protection applications.
The ADAMS is designed to provide acoustic detection or monitoring of species and habitats, the targeted attraction of certain species where desired, and the deterrence or temporary displacement of target species where required.
Acoustic Monitoring
The ADAMS can deliver environmental, habitat and species acoustic monitoring, using its waterproof microphone, providing terrestrial microphone and underwater hydrophone capability, allowing live and recorded detections of, species and natural and human activity threats, in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments.
Acoustic Attraction
The ADAMS can deliver species attraction and habitat creation, by using its waterproof speaker on land, or underwater in playback function, playing a specific targeted recording for instance to:
- Attract colonizing free-swimming coral larvae to settle and create new coral reef structures.
- Attract seabirds to safe/new nesting/roosting sites.
- Attract terrestrial, freshwater, marine species to an area for monitoring or colonizing.
- Aid in natural and artificial habitat creation.
Acoustic Deterrence
The ADAMS can deliver acoustic deterrence, by using its waterproof speaker and underwater speaker and operating in playback function playing a specific targeted recording for instance to:
- Deter (temporarily or continuously) marine, freshwater, or terrestrial species from an area or activity that is potentially harmful.
- Deter marine and freshwater growth/fouling from settling on underwater infrastructure, and vessels.
- Warn, inform and deter human activity from terrestrial, freshwater, marine conservation area, or other sensitive area.
Acoustic Playback Attraction & Deterrence
The ADAMS has been designed to operate on land and in water, with deployment in water allowing acoustic playback above the water's surface, at the water's surface, and below the water's surface (through the water column). This can allow for selected acoustic playback to be made for species attraction and deterrence (and human information and communication). The ADAMS can deploy acoustic playback continuously for up to 28 hours (or for over 50 hours with an additional powerpack) on its own internal battery (tested @ 20 degrees centigrade).
Acoustic Attraction:
Playing recordings of target species can be used for instance to attract terrestrial wildlife to a certain area, for monitoring, survey, breeding, colonization purposes, for instance bird and mammal species.
In the marine environment it could for instance be used to attract seabird and marine mammal species to a specific area, and to attract free swimming coral larvae to settle on an area to replenish or form a new natural or artificial reef. The same principle may be used in freshwater environments for related species. OLS can provide species targeted sound files by custom arrangement.
Acoustic Deterrence:
Playing specific recordings to deter target species from a specific area, the ADAMS can be deployed on land and in the water.
On land and for terrestrial species, it can be equipped with relevant sound files and deployed to deter grazing species from crops or forestry, predators from livestock or protected wildlife, and birds from airport runways etc... In the terrestrial environment the ADAMS can also be deployed for deterrence purposes by similarly playing sound files targeted to deter the presence of specific species. OLS can deliver custom sound files for intended target species.
For the marine environment, the ADAMS has also been primarily designed to improve on the function and reduce the negative impacts of traditional ADD’s (Acoustic Deterrent Devices), used for marine mammal and megafauna deterrence, and in consideration of recent research assessments and decisions (including March 2023 report by the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission and following Scottish Government decision).
The ADAMS is designed to solicit a natural limited avoidance response to deter such species from a given area, by mimicking/replaying the natural of sound of a marine predatory species, rather than creating a distressing false sound or by harmful increased amplitude of the sound, both of which other forms of ADD’s utilize, and which have been found to cause pain and permanent damage to the hearing of the target species.
The natural sound deterrents used by the ADAMS is used so that it is a sound that resident site area specific marine mammal (and other megafauna) species populations will recognize as a potential transient (to the immediate area) large predator passing through influencing them to leave the area temporarily, rather than an unknown sound that may risk a permanent presence/threat soliciting the resident marine mammal species to stay away from the area of previous acoustic deployment permanently.
The ADAMS marine deterrent version is supplied with natural sound files, and has been tailored to deter and protect marine mammal and potentially mega-fauna species such as sharks and turtles, from harmful interactions with vessels, fishing boats, nets and shark nets.
ADAMS utilizes a reduced maximum sound output level of 5 Watts/85 decibels sensitivity, and adjustable sound level (between 0 – 5W/0-85db), rather than 170 –200db output level of traditional ADDS. This allows the ADAMS sound output to be adjusted both manually before deployment & remotely during deployment, to limit the deterrence to a smaller target area/s, mitigating and reducing any unwanted wider deterrence from the target area, therefore reducing environmental impact, when compared to traditional ADD’s.
ADAMS (unlike traditional ADD’s), allows for the soundtrack and volume to be adjusted, selected and set. This is true for both a pre deployment autonomous configuration of sound source and volume setting, and also for remote real time adjustment allowing for volume adjustment, acoustic track selection/play/stop, and unit operation switch on and off, during deployment. These pre deployment control/setting ability, and real time operation and adjustment of the system abilities, allow an operator to target/adjust usage for more targeted species, durations, and limited sound emissions to specific areas, which can again further reduce environmental impact, and reduce the risk of target species becoming accustomed to and ignoring the sound signature.
The ADAMS has five main playback options:
- Playback Option 1- allows continuous playback for over 28 hours from its internal battery, from a sound file on an inserted (provided) micro-SD card (containing the deterrent sound files) which fits into the base unit, with adjustable volume and continuous play of the acoustic tracks set before deployment, allowing for autonomous operation land-based, or in water environments either at depth (for instance submerged fishing/shark nets, UROV’s, divers etc...) or at the surface without any further human input (for instance floating fishing/shark nets, buoys etc..).
- Playback Option 2 – allows over 8 hours playback from the internal battery, of the (deterrent) sound files via remote transmission via Bluetooth function from another device (transmitting the sound files from another Bluetooth device using the SD card acoustic files), this allows for remote real time volume adjustment, together with acoustic track selection/play/stop, and unit operation switch on and off. Bluetooth operation is rated at up to 33feet/10 meters when the system is land-based, or floating on/at the water surface, so is suitable for close operations from a vessel for instance. This Blue Tooth connection option also allows two to three ADAMS systems to be paired with a single connected device via the TWS connection for playback.
- Playback Option 3 - playback of up to 12 hours of the (deterrent) sound files by FM radio transmission, by using an FM transmitter to send the acoustic deterrent by FM radio waves, which are then picked up by the built in FM receiver contained within the ADAMS (this requires presetting the FM channel on the base unit and FM transmitter to match before any deployment).
- Playback Option 4 – playback of up to 28 hours using the ADAMS AUX port connection with AUX cable connected to a separate playback device.
- Playback Option 5 – playback of up to 28 hours by USB/U disk connection via the ADAMS USB/U disk port.
The ADAMS also has the capacity to update and change the sound signature by these five different methods, firstly via changing the sound files on SD card in the speaker system, secondly via remote Blue-Tooth connection, thirdly via FM transmission, fourthly via AUX connected device, and fifthly via USB/U port for a connected USB/U disk. This allows OLS or the user to update or customize their system if required, should either the target species become accustomed to and start ignoring the baseline/included sound files, or the user wishes to use the system for other species or uses.
The ADAMS (MS) marine species deterrent version is provided with a mini-SD card which contains 3 sound files (and space for further sound files which can be provided by OLS or added by the customer/operator), which in testing have solicited a stealthy (rather than panicked full flight) avoidance response in all marine mammal species which have so far been encountered. Successful vessel-based testing using playback of the three sound files has taken place with both cetacean and pinniped species, including Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Bryde's whale, and Gray Seal.
The nature of the sound file used by the ADAMS, has also been assessed in independent scientific studies as having no discernable effect on smaller fish species, which importantly may allow the ADAMS system to be used in conjunction with fishing operations, to reduce marine mammal and other marine mega- fauna bycatch.
In terms of deterrence the ADAMS is designed as a non-injurious acoustic marine mammal deterrent system, to be either a standalone system or to be used attached to floating nets, vessels or to other marine infrastructure. The system can be readily deployed in any marine/estuarine/freshwater environment from any vessel (small or large, stationary or underway), and on varying marine structures, buoys, etc...to deter and displace marine mammals (and potentially other marine megafauna species including shark and turtle species) from a given marine/aquatic area.
The system is primarily designed to protect marine mammals (and other megafauna), from harmful interactions with fishing vessels/nets, shark nets, accidental ship vessel collision, seismic survey operations, naval sonar, and other potential harmful marine based human industrial activity, but it could also be used for the purpose of providing protection to vessels, divers, and civilian assets from potentially harmful marine mammal/megafauna interactions.
The ADAMS marine species deterrence device, operates by way of using a unique underwater acoustic signature, which harnesses a natural acoustic deterrence, which almost all marine mammals (and other marine mega species) will avoid. The acoustic deterrent, by its nature does not cause any physical harm to the marine mammals (or other marine life) but solicits a deterrence or mild flight behavioral response from the marine mammals (and other marine megafauna) to the area/source the acoustic playback source, displacing and deterring their presence temporarily (during system operation) from a particular area.
The ADAMS MG (marine growth deterrent system) can also be deployed in the marine environment with a high frequency sound file to be used on/above/adjacent/near to marine infrastructure/vessels to deter marine growth settling on underwater hulls and surfaces etc...
The key to the deterrent and attraction functions of ADAMS is the acoustic signature/sound, which is provided as a sound file contained on a Micro SD card (supplied with an adaptor), and which can be inserted into the base unit, for manual switch on and continuous playback operation, or into a phone, tablet, laptop, PC, FM transmitter or other device for blue-tooth or FM transmission.
The ADAMS also has blue tooth 5 remote capability which allows the sound to switched on and played from a blue-tooth and audio capable device (either playing the sound files by downloading them from, or inserting and playing directly from the micro-SD card), which can then transmit the audio file to the base unit remotely from up to 33 feet distance at the surface.
The FM function of the unit, will allow the sound files to be received and played as an FM Radio signal, from a tuned in FM transmitter linked to a capable device which them plays and transmits the sound files (either by playing the sound files by downloading them from, or inserting and playing directly from the micro-SD card) as FM radio signal.
The Aux port on the ADAMS and included lead also allows for devices to be plugged straight into the system for playback operations.
The U port on the ADAMS can also be used to allow USB/U disc to be connected for playback operations.
Acoustic Monitoring - Microphone & Hydrophone Functionality:
As well as containing a speaker for playback deterrence, the ADAMS is also fitted with its own IPX7 waterproof microphone, allowing it the capacity to act as either a terrestrial microphone or as an underwater hydrophone and acoustic monitoring system (using the underwater housing). This can allow it for instance to act as a terrestrial and underwater acoustic close detection system for vocalizing species such as terrestrial/sea birds and mammals.
In the terrestrial environment it could be used for remote species and habitat monitoring, by recording species vocalizations, and any other acoustic activity (natural and human).
In the aquatic environment, species such as marine mammals, or other natural acoustics (fish, reef, seismic, etc...) and manmade (vessel etc...) underwater sounds, can be detected and recorded via a connected compatible Blue-tooth device (such as a PC, Laptop, PC or smartphone etc...). The microphone/hydrophone function works by blue-tooth connection with a compatible device such as PC, Laptop, tablet, phone etc.. which with its own standard recording software allowing for recording, listening, and subsequent analysis.
The ADAMS allows three acoustic monitoring connecting options:
- With a Bluetooth transmission distance of up to 10 meters/33 feet for the ADAMS working on the surface, the microphone/hydrophone function can be used with live with an operator with a compatible Bluetooth connected device within this distance (for example from a boat, pontoon, shoreline, etc..). Using Bluetooth connectivity and a connected device such as PC, tablet or smartphone, the ADAMS can be switched remotely via an operator using the blue-tooth connection and switching the connected device settings between speaker mode (allowing terrestrial and underwater playback operation) to microphone mode (allowing terrestrial microphone and underwater hydrophone operation). This will allow the blue tooth connected compatible device (PC/smartphone/etc...) to record any sound the ADAMS microphone picks up, potentially allowing for instance any vocalizing marine mammal species or motorized vessel to be detected by a listening operator (with access to immediate recordings), while also allowing the connected device to record any underwater sounds for later analysis. In the aquatic environment, for marine mammals (or other marine species), this would allow a further potential useful option of a top side operator to listen for their recorded vocalizing presence, and when detected and where required to then switch over to attraction/deterrent playback system, to attract/deter them from a specific area. This methos could also be used for other purposes, such as vessel detection for instance such in a Marine Protected Area or Marine Reserve, the acoustic signature of the engine could be recorded and analyzed for behavior and later tracing/tracking, and/or playback function could be used to issue a warning to stay away, keep clear, or a more defined warning to be issued such no fishing allowed.
- For longer range remote live acoustic monitoring and detections, the ADAMS can be connected and equipped with a Bluetooth connected mobile phone set up for auto answer (placed within the drybag/underwater housing with the ADAMS, allowing an operator anywhere in the world (where there is mobile signal for both operator and phone equipped/connected ADAMS) to call the ADAMS connected phone which will auto-connect and allow live acoustic monitoring via the Bluetooth connected ADAMS microphone/hydrophone. This set up also allows for the remote operator to not only listen live, but if desired to then play via their phone via the connected call to the ADAMS phone, the sound file (for deterrence or attraction) which will then be played by the ADAMS speaker (connected via Bluetooth to the paired Phone). This option will work for terrestrial and at waters surface deployments.
- For in situ operations where no live or immediate acoustic monitoring is required, but later acoustic analysis required, then the ADAMS can be equipped and paired with via a small Bluetooth connected device (with recording capability switched on) and placed within the drybag/underwater housing with the ADAMS to leave in situ, for later pick up and analysis. This option also allows for deeper submerged underwater ADAMS operations.
The AMADS can operate as a microphone or hydrophone for up to 40 hours (tested @20 degrees centigrade) on its own internal battery.
ADAMS Build & Deployment
The ADAMS base unit is IPX7 waterproof, and for further underwater protection can be encased in a provided underwater housing/dry bag, which has a 20-meter waterproof depth rating. It can be deployed by hand on land or at the water's surface (from a vessel, structure, shoreline) to either float on the surface (attached or unattached) or can be weighed down to sit below the water's surface.
This ADAMS is also designed to be lightweight, and small in size. This firstly allows it to be easily carried, deployed, operated, and recovered by a single person. In the aquatic environment it can be attached to a net, a buoy, a vessel, a marine structure, or floating unattached on the water's surface. It also allows for use and or deployment by a diver/snorkeler, either for a shallow underwater deployment/attachment, or attached to the snorkeler/diver themselves for personal operation (deterrence, attraction, or monitoring).
Secondly the small size and low weight also allows the ADAMS to be carried by and deployed from a small off the shelf aerial drone system, such as a DJI Phantom drone.
Thirdly its size, weight and low positive buoyancy also allows it to be carried and deployed by small UROV systems (such as a Chasing Gladius MINI UROV), for underwater deployment/attachment.
The ADAMS has been tested and can operate on its own self-contained re-chargeable power source continuously for up to 28 hours (@20 degrees centigrade ambient temperature) providing acoustic playback at maximum volume (from the micro-SD card)
The ADAMS (and drybag) system also allows for the option of an additional adjoined battery pack for extended operations, with over 50 hours with a 10000mAh (more powerful power-banks will increase continuous operational hours). To switch the additional battery pack for a replacement only takes under a minute at the surface. The base unit internal battery can be charged in 5 hours, and the power-banks recharged as per their specifications.
The base unit underwater system/speaker unit is itself IPX7 waterproof rated (up to 1 meter depth for up to 30 minutes) and is buoyant and will float at the water's surface. The base system comes with rubber loop which can be used for attachment. However, the system is designed to be used in aquatic (and terrestrial) environments within the drybag, with the combined system positively buoyant in water.
The ADAMS system (within the drybag) is designed to be able to operate in aquatic environments both at the surface and submerged. Firstly, floating at the surface partially submerged with the main speaker output and microphone facing down within the water column (to detect or produce the underwater sound deterrent through the water column), and with the rear speaker output facing up out of the water. This allows operational sound checks to be made from above the water's surface together with providing some surface acoustic deterrent.
Secondly, fully submerged it can operate to detect or produce the underwater sound deterrent through the water column. However, at increased depth the water pressure will reduce the front and rear speaker's ability to vibrate and create sound, thus reducing volume output.
The base unit is designed to be contained within the provided durable 20-meter depth rated waterproof case/drybag (28x18cm flat) which also allows space for an optional additional power pack or device such as mobile phone (measuring within 100mm x 65mm x20mm). The bag and contained base unit can then be attached to a net/buoy/vessel/drone/diver/snorkeler/surfboard/etc.., by tying on using the drybags attached rope/cord line, or by attaching via a clip or other mechanism.
The key to the deterrent and attraction functions of ADAMS is the acoustic signature/sound, which is provided as a sound file contained on a Micro SD card (supplied with an adaptor), and which can be inserted into the base unit, for manual switch on and continuous playback operation, or into a phone, tablet, laptop, PC, FM transmitter or other device for blue-tooth or FM transmission.
The ADAMS also has blue tooth 5 remote capability which allows the sound to switched on and played from a blue-tooth and audio capable device (either playing the sound files by downloading them from, or inserting and playing directly from the micro-SD card), which can then transmit the audio file to the base unit remotely from up to 33 feet distance at the surface.
The FM function of the unit, will allow the sound files to be received and played as an FM Radio signal, from a tuned in FM transmitter linked to a capable device which them plays and transmits the sound files (either by playing the sound files by downloading them from, or inserting and playing directly from the micro-SD card) as FM radio signal.
The Aux port on the ADAMS and included lead also allows for devices to be plugged straight into the system for playback operations.
The U port on the ADAMS can also be used to allow USB/U disc to be connected for playback operations.
Primary intended uses include:
- Marine/freshwater/terrestrial acoustic species deterrent.
- Marine/freshwater species and habitat acoustic hydrophone monitoring system.
- Waterproof terrestrial species and habitat microphone monitoring system.
- Waterproof terrestrial acoustic deterrent.
- Marine/freshwater/terrestrial species acoustic playback attraction.
- Coral reef attraction (with reef sound file SD card)
- For attachment use with shark nets and fishing nets, for marine mammal and mega-fauna bycatch reduction risk by deterring and temporary displacing marine mammals from the areas of netting operations.
- For use around marine operations where temporary deterrence and displacement is required to remove potential risk of harm to marine life from human marine-based operations.
- For use as a personal protection system for human diver, snorkel, swimmer, surfers, from potentially harmful marine megafauna interaction.
- For use for vessel/ship/boat and marine infrastructure protection from potential damaging marine mammal and megafauna interactions.
Additional uses include:
- Underwater communication system (operated by a top side controller/operator) to divers, snorkelers, swimmers etc..
Operational capability:
- Marine and freshwater environments., above, at surface, and submerged, base unit to 1m depth, and to 20 meters depth with dry case/bag.
- Terrestrial Environments IPX7 Waterproof and shockproof (rugged design).
- Continuous playback operation for up to 30 hours with the internal rechargeable base unit battery, up to 50 hours with optional additional rechargeable and interchangeable 10000mAh powerpack.
- Continuous acoustic monitoring as hydrophone for up to 40 hours with the internal rechargeable base unit battery, over 50 hours with optional additional rechargeable and interchangeable 10000mAh powerpack.
- Up to 10 meters Blue Tooth 5 remote connectivity/operation to a compatible Blue Tooth device (including mobile phone).
- Maximum output/volume 5W/85db.
- Maximum operating frequency 60Hz to 20kHz.
Size and weights:
- 103mmx97mmx54mm / 416gm - Base Unit System.
- 18cmx18cmx4.5cm / 476gm - Base Unit System contained in Dry Bag/Case.
System components:
- Base Unit System
- Micro SD Card & Adaptor (containing acoustic deterrent or attraction audio file by custom arrangement)
- Dry Case/Bag
- USB Cable (for unit charging/connection to optional additional powerpack)
- Base Unit Instructions
Ocean Life Survey can provide the ADAMS systems with an OLS operator together with specialist acoustic files to deliver targeted operations around the world, or provide the ADAMS from Ocean Life Survey for customer operation by custom arrangement. Please contact us with your enquiry for further details.
