Limitations in acoustic audio and the ability to lower the technology to appropriate depths have made it challenging for marine biologists to understand the language of whales and other sea mammals.

Today, instrumentation advances enable scientists to hear underwater conversations with the clarity required to begin deciphering the sounds of the sea’s “gentle giants.” This capability also enables scientists to better understand mammal population size and migration paths in a given area.


GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc., a provider of underwater acoustic transducers and systems, wanted to advance this type of marine research further by deploying its cutting-edge hydrophone array to depths appropriate for listening in on marine mammal communications. The company selected Boston Engineering’s V-Wing towed underwater depressor to help solve the problem.

GeoSpectrum uses the V-Wing to deploy its “M512” towed hydrophone, which is appropriate for marine mammal monitoring and other listening tasks. V-Wing model 460 has a small, 18” body for towing at 4-to-6 knots, which is ideal for maritime research. The V-Wing pulls the entire system down into the water column and is an important part of this towed hydrophone system.

The V-Wing’s three main benefits are:

• It is the perfect towed underwater depressor to deploy the hydrophone system below the waves and turbulent wave action.

• The hydrophone could be deployed into clear laminar water, which is better for the sound propagation necessary for acoustic listening.

• The V-Wing is able to deploy the product away from the towing vessel’s noisy motor and hull.

This application illustrates how Boston Engineering helps scientists and other customers use the right depressor for their requirements, and how Boston Engineering can collaborate with companies like GeoSpectrum to bring new solutions to market.

For more information, visit Boston Engineering and GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc.