Engaging Communities in Conservation with Low-Cost Passive Acoustic Monitoring Sensors

Technological advancements have revolutionized marine acoustics, making monitoring equipment more accessible and cost-effective. This paper presents an overview of Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) technology for marine conservation and discusses its transformative potential for engaging local communities in resource-limited coastal regions. We focus on the Ocean World of Sound (WOS) program in the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), which employs low-cost sensors to empower community members to collect and interpret underwater soundscapes. By analyzing natural and human-generated noises, these programs offer new pathways for capacity-building, stewardship, and inclusive conservation.