In a world-first international effort marine experts have come together to create a library of the rich sounds from below the sea—a landscape containing the world’s most diverse habitats—to monitor and bolster the resilience of marine life. The significance of this project is that by eavesdropping on visually elusive but vocal species, scientists can capture the many nocturnal or hard to find animals which are visually difficult to observe. The team’s observations have seen marine sounds emerge from profound tranquility including the unexpected shuffle of a New Zealand paddle crab, the distinctive “boing” of a minke whale, and a crackling of a Kina sea urchin. The 17 experts from nine countries have set the goal to record the sea soundscapes that will allow them to monitor changes in underwater life, including migration patterns, responses to natural and man-made ocean noise pollution, and identifying new species. Lead author Miles Parsons, who is the …