The problem of estimating spatial distribution and density of vocalizing marine animals is addressed. The proposed solution is based on using a fixed compact array of synchronized hydrophones and statistically optimal detection and estimation algorithms. The closed-form representations of the practical algorithms are presented. The performance of the proposed technique is evaluated analytically and using statistical simulations. The case study involved identifying an area of high residency and estimating the density of vocalizing beluga whales in the St. Lawrence Estuary. The advantages and disadvantages of the proposed technique are demonstrated and the future steps are discussed.

中文翻译：

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使用紧凑阵列估算发声海洋动物的空间分布和密度。

解决了估计海洋动物发声的空间分布和密度的问题。所提出的解决方案基于使用同步水听器的固定紧凑阵列以及统计上最优的检测和估计算法。给出了实用算法的封闭形式表示。所提出技术的性能通过分析和使用统计模拟进行评估。案例研究涉及在圣劳伦斯河口确定高居住区并估计发白鲸的密度。演示了所提出技术的优缺点，并讨论了未来的步骤。