Whitlow W. L. Au
Hawaii Inst. of Marine Biology, Univ. of Hawaii, P.O. Box 1106, Kailua, HI 96734
The field of animal bioacoustics is a diverse one involving a wide variety of species varying from insect and birds to terrestrial and aquatic animals. Some of the interesting research being performed with different species will be highlighted. Recent research has uncovered a possible new mechanism for sound localization in the parasoidal fly. Acoustics is being used to slove agricultural problems associated with insects. The U.S. Air Force is conducting a comprehensive program to study the effects of loud sounds and noise on different birds and terrestrial mammals. The availability of the U.S. Navy Integrated Undersea Surveillance System for detecting, localizing, and tracking whales has contributed significantly in the understanding of the seasonal distribution and movements of these large mammals. The ATOC program has generated considerable controversy on the possible effects of the ATOC source on marine animals. Several research programs have been initiated to investigate this particular issue.