Eco Acoustics Masterclass

The facilitator:

Dr Leah Barclay is a sound artist, designer, and researcher who works at the intersection of art, science, and technology. Leah's research and creative work investigates new methods in ecoacoustics, exploring the soundscapes of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to inform conservation, scientific research, and public engagement. She is a specialist in underwater recording and has over 15 years of experience recording marine ecosystems across the planet. 

She has been the recipient of numerous awards, and her work has been commissioned, performed, and exhibited to wide acclaim internationally by organisations including the Smithsonian Museum, UNESCO, Ear to the Earth, Streaming Museum, Al Gore’s Climate Reality, and the IUCN. Leah leads several research projects including Biosphere Soundscapes with UNESCO, which focuses on advancing the field of ecoacoustics. The design of these interdisciplinary projects is responsive to collaborating communities and involves the development of new technologies, including remote sensing devices for the rainforest canopy and hydrophone recording arrays in aquatic ecosystems. Leah is the Discipline Lead of Design at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where she is also co-leading the Creative Ecologies Research Cluster. 

The trip: 

The day will begin in the classroom at Sunreef Mooloolaba, where you will be guided by Leah through the fundamentals of ecoacoustics technology, including exploring an array of hydrophones that are used around the planet to monitor underwater soundscapes and understand marine health through sound. Participants will learn how to identify what they are hearing underwater and acquire new skills that can be used during the 2024 Sunshine Coast Marine BioBlitz. 

The adventure continues into the afternoon onboard our fast boat Wild One, where we will travel through the beautiful waters of the Sunshine Coast and apply the skills and knowledge learnt in the morning to record humpback whale song and listen to live underwater soundscapes!

This activity is in open water and we suggest that you look into seasickness medication to minimize the chance of it impacting your experience.

Although we love hosting families with children, we unfortunately cannot take children under 8 years of age on our vessel.