A dataset of soundscapes from Polynesian altiphotic, mesophotic and rariphotic zones

Overview

This dataset comprises underwater acoustic recordings from coral reef zones across French Polynesia, spanning altiphotic, mesophotic, and rariphotic depth zones. The collection documents the acoustic characteristics of tropical coral reef ecosystems at multiple spatial and temporal scales, capturing biophonic sources including teleosts, benthic invertebrates, cetaceans, and baleen whales, alongside geophonic and anthropogenic components.

Methods and approach

Acoustic data were collected using standardized fixed and mobile hydrophone systems deployed across multiple islands and depth zones in French Polynesia. Recordings were digitized in uncompressed WAV format with comprehensive metadata documentation including deployment parameters, hydrophone specifications, recording durations, and temporal schedules. The sampling design encompasses variability across geographic locations, depth gradients, and temporal intervals.

Key Findings

The dataset provides extensive underwater soundscape recordings from depth zones extending beyond conventional shallow reef studies. Acoustic data capture diverse biophonic signatures from reef-associated fauna across depth gradients, with supplementary environmental and operational metadata enabling detailed ecological interpretation. All recordings and associated resources are publicly accessible through Zenodo repositories.

Implications

The dataset supports investigation of fish and invertebrate acoustic communication patterns across depth zones, enabling comparative soundscape ecology studies across tropical reef systems. The data facilitate examination of acoustic environmental change and the efficacy of marine protection measures through soundscape monitoring approaches. The standardized collection and public accessibility of the recordings enable reuse for multiple ecological and conservation research contexts.