The BOEM is happy to share our new publication, which is open-access and can be downloaded at https://espis.boem.gov/final%20reports/BOEM_2020-009.pdf<https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fespis.boem.gov%2Ffinal%2520reports%2FBOEM_2020-009.pdf&data=02%7C01%7CAnwar.Khan%40hdrinc.com%7C6aaffb3672564da04af408d7afd878b7%7C3667e201cbdc48b39b425d2d3f16e2a9%7C0%7C1%7C637171216581904649&sdata=3wgNMmYRmrklMNvVMOC9w8GjxnHVqEbKBieyXMR5hGw%3D&reserved=0> Latusek-NabholzJN, Whitt AD, Fertl D, Gallien DR, Ampela K, Khan AA, Sidorovskaia N. 2020. Literature synthesis on passive acoustic monitoring projects and sound sources in the Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans (LA): US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. Contract No.: M17PC00001. OCS Study BOEM 2020-009. 99 p. PURPOSE: Available and relevant literature and data on previous and ongoing passive acoustic monitoring in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) were compiled. This information was reviewed to characterize potential sound sources and their distribution in the GOM and to identify existing methodologies for acoustic source detection, localization, tracking, and classification. Acoustic sources encompass weather events, industrial and military activities (including the use of explosives), shipping, animal vocalizations, and geologic events. This review was conducted under the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) Program for the Northern GOM. The primary objective of the program is to design and implement a multi-year acoustic data collection and monitoring plan for both the acoustic and the biotic environments in the GOM further defining the associated baseline soundscapes. The objective of this literature synthesis was to collect and review published literature and available datasets of previous and ongoing PAM projects in the GOM for the following purposes: 1. Characterize potential sound sources in the GOM. 2. Summarize the state of current knowledge on GOM baseline acoustic noise levels. 3. Investigate existing methodologies for acoustic source detection, localization, tracking, and classification of marine mammals. 4. Identify by spatial mapping previous and current study areas. 5. Identify the most appropriate field methodologies and protocols for measuring the acoustic environment in the GOM. Thanks, Donald (Tre) W. Glenn, III, Ph.D., P.E., CFM Senior Protected Species Biologist Consultation Specialist Professional Environmental Engineer Contracting Officer's Representative III Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) GOMR, Office of Environment 1201 Elmwood Park Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana 70123