Acoustic technologies have been developed in order to utilise the unique quality of sound in the ocean. It is required in order to obtain the measurements of the depth of the ocean and its geomorphology; in order to track submarines; as well as to track and count marine animals - such as the pygmy blue whale along the Western Australian coast.

Many significant deep water archaeological sites have been found using acoustic technologies. Technologies assist us to understand both the macro and micro complexities of one of the states greatest assets.

Bathymetry, or the study and mapping of seafloor topography, allows us to discover in detail the features of the ocean floor and to further understand the subsea environment.

Two of the HMAS Sydney's boats on the seabed

Image copyright of Australian War Memorial (David Mearn/Finding Sydney Foundation

The deep sea is considered to be the last frontier for discovery on our planet - New technologies such as multibeam acoustics, high-resolution video systems and robust collection equipment have enabled man to better understand this unchartered region. Acoustic technology is useful for discovering wrecksites and biodiversity. Utilising data we are able to understand the patterns of a particular species and in their movement and behaviour. This has also provided reliable information to the Australian government for the establishment of a national network of marine protected areas to come to fruition by 2012. This survey found 2021 animal species including 396 species new to science.