4th International Workshop on Detection, Classification and Localization of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics Linked Workshop: 1st International Workshop on Density Estimation of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics University of Pavia, Italy September 2009, 10th - 13th First Announcement This email serves to early announce the 4th International Workshop on Detection, Classification and Localization (DCL) of Marine Mammals using Passive Acoustics to be held at the University of Pavia, Italy, in September 2009. This time, there will also be a linked, one day workshop on the emerging application area of the Estimation of Marine Mammal Density using Passive Acoustics, starting directly after the DCL workshop. A web page dedicated to the workshops will be available soon on the CIBRA website at <http://www.unipv.it/cibra>http://www.unipv.it/cibra/DCLWorkshop2009.html 4th International Workshop on Detection, Classification and Localization of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics Objectives The purpose of this workshop is to present current research on the detection, classification and localization of marine mammals using passive acoustics. Researchers are invited to present their scientific work, to detail the advantages and drawbacks of the methods they use and to show their recent results. The workshop encourages an interdisciplinary approach oriented at solving real-world problems related to the study of marine mammals and the effect of anthropogenic sound on their behavior. Topics will be extended beyond passive acoustics to other relevant areas of research that directly relate with the main topic (see list in appendix). To encourage researchers to face with a common topic and to directly evaluate and compare different approaches and solutions, a common dataset will be made available online (<http://www.unipv.it/cibra>http://www.unipv.it/cibra) well in advance. Scientific Topics The objective of the workshop is to exchange information that advances general understanding of methods to detect, classify, locate, track and monitor marine mammals in their environment. After three workshops dedicated to individual species, this fourth workshop is focused on a more complex issue: the analysis of real-world complex acoustic scenes and the use of the context for identifying acoustic components of interest. Dataset A set of underwater recordings will be made available online to encourage researchers to work on a common dataset, to face with the same problems, to find original solutions and to present and compare them at the workshop. Participants who do not work on this specific dataset are also welcome to join the workshop, and present their own work on detection and classification techniques based on passive acoustics or other relevant related research. Though, greater consideration will be deserved to participants who contribute to the general focus of the workshop. Participants Presentations from different research and academic fields are welcome. Specialists in biology, physiology, acoustics, oceanography, signal processing, mathematics, electronics, computer science are all invited to bring their experience to the workshop. Participation may be limited to ensure a dynamic and interactive exchange. Workshop Schedule 3 days will be dedicated to oral presentations, to poster presentations, to open discussion, and to a round table to discuss about emerging research needs and trends. A Fourth day will be dedicated to the use of acoustic data to estimate population density. Authors will be accepted for presentation or poster session by the scientific committee. Linked Workshop: 1st International Workshop on Density Estimation (DE) of Marine Mammals Using Passive Acoustics This one-day workshop will bring together researchers working on estimating absolute density or abundance of marine mammal populations using passive acoustics. It will commence immediately after the DCL workshop. All those attending the DCL workshop and with an interest in this field are welcome to attend. The workshop will begin with a tutorial overview of the area, followed by contributed oral and poster presentations showcasing relevant research. Time will be set aside for open discussion. We invite participants with relevant research in this area to submit it for presentation in oral or poster form. We anticipate that interest in this workshop will be high, and we may need to limit participation to ensure dynamic and interactive exchange of ideas. Further Information for Both Workshops Location The workshops will be held in the historical buildings of the University of Pavia, Italy, where Spallanzani in the 18th century studied the ability of bats to fly in the dark. The workshop is organized by CIBRA, the Interdisciplinary Center for Bioacoustics and Environmental Research. Sponsors We are currently seeking sponsors for both workshops. Scientific Committee Gianni Pavan (Univ. of Pavia, Italy), Walter Zimmer (NURC, Italy), David Moretti (NUWC, US), Bob Gisiner (MMC, US), Len Thomas (Univ St Andrews, Scotland; convenor of the DE workshop) and others Organizing Committee Gianni Pavan, CIBRA (DCL Workshop); Len Thomas, StAndrews (DE Workshop) Secretariat Workshops Secretariat (registration, payment, & accomodation bookings) is managed by PRAGMA Congressi email <mailto:info@pragmacongressi.it>info@pragmacongressi.it Gianni Pavan Presidente CIBRA Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali Dipartimento di Biologia Animale Universita' degli Studi di Pavia, Via Taramelli 24, 27100 PAVIA, ITALIA Phone +39-0382-987874 Fax +39-02-700-32921 Email gpavan@cibra.unipv.it, gianni.pavan@unipv.it Web http://www.unipv.it/cibra