About
PAMGuard is the world-leading open source software suite for passive acoustic detection, classification, and localization of marine mammal and other animal sounds. Designed for both real-time field monitoring and offline laboratory analysis, it provides researchers and marine biologists with a comprehensive toolkit to process and analyze large acoustic datasets without requiring custom coding. The platform natively supports AI-enabled and deep learning classifiers, allowing users to deploy the latest automated models for species detection as soon as they become available. PAMGuard processes data in real time using a wide range of detection, classification, and localization (DCL) algorithms combined with sophisticated visualization displays. Its WatchDog component (PAMDog) ensures continuous uptime during long-duration deployments by automatically restarting the application if it crashes. Notable real-world deployments include Greenpeace's pole-to-pole ocean protection campaign — collecting over 1,696 hours of recordings — and tidal turbine monitoring projects tracking porpoise movements to assess collision risk. The software integrates with Python (PyPAMGuard), Matlab (pgmatlab), and R for flexible data export and further analysis. Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and fully open source, PAMGuard is freely usable and modifiable. It is the go-to tool for marine bioacoustics researchers, environmental consultants, and conservation professionals worldwide.
Key Features
- AI-Enabled Deep Learning Classifiers: Natively runs AI and deep learning classifiers — including whistle, Rocca, and custom deep learning models — for automated species detection and classification without coding.
- Real-Time Acoustic Monitoring: Processes hydrophone data in real time using a wide range of DCL algorithms combined with sophisticated user displays for field deployments and surveys.
- Offline Batch Analysis: Analyzes large volumes of pre-recorded acoustic data in the laboratory using the same algorithms and displays as real-time monitoring for consistent, reproducible results.
- WatchDog Reliability System: PAMDog continuously monitors PAMGuard and automatically restarts it if it crashes, ensuring uninterrupted data collection during long-duration deployments.
- Multi-Language Data Export: Supports data export and integration via dedicated Python (PyPAMGuard), Matlab (pgmatlab), and R libraries, enabling flexible downstream statistical analysis and custom workflows.
Use Cases
- Real-time cetacean detection and localization during offshore vessel surveys to support environmental impact assessments
- Monitoring porpoise and dolphin presence around tidal turbines and offshore energy installations to assess and mitigate collision risk
- Large-scale offline processing of terabytes of passive acoustic recordings to study marine biodiversity and population dynamics
- Supporting ocean conservation campaigns with efficient acoustic data collection, species identification, and photo-ID support for large whales
- Academic and government research into the behavioral ecology of marine mammals using long-duration hydrophone array deployments
Pros
- Completely Free and Open Source: PAMGuard is fully open source with no licensing fees, making it accessible to academic researchers, NGOs, and conservation organizations of any size.
- End-to-End PAM Workflow: Covers the entire passive acoustic monitoring pipeline — data acquisition, detection, classification, localization, visualization, and data management — in a single integrated platform.
- Cross-Platform with Active Development: Runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux with frequent updates, new plugins, and an active developer and research community backed by peer-reviewed publications.
- No Coding Required for Core Use: Provides a comprehensive GUI-driven workflow that allows non-programmers to run sophisticated analyses, while also exposing an API for advanced developer customization.
Cons
- Steep Learning Curve: The breadth of features and configuration options can be overwhelming for beginners, and complex multi-sensor deployments may require significant expertise to set up correctly.
- Highly Specialized Domain: Primarily designed for marine mammal and bioacoustics research, making it unsuitable for general-purpose audio analysis, music processing, or non-research use cases.
- Desktop-First Architecture: PAMGuard is primarily a desktop application, which can complicate remote collaboration, cloud-based processing pipelines, and headless server deployments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PAMGuard used for?
PAMGuard is used for passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) of marine mammals and other animals. It detects, classifies, and localizes animal sounds either in real time from hydrophone arrays or from pre-recorded acoustic datasets, and is widely used by researchers, environmental consultants, and NGOs.
Is PAMGuard free to use?
Yes. PAMGuard is completely free and open source. Anyone can download, use, and modify the software at no cost, and developers are encouraged to contribute modules and improvements.
What operating systems does PAMGuard support?
PAMGuard is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Platform-specific installers are available on the official website, and a Windows Sound plugin provides improved sound card access on that platform.
Does PAMGuard support AI and deep learning classifiers?
Yes. PAMGuard natively runs AI-based classifiers including deep learning models, whistle classifiers, and Rocca classifiers. New automated classifiers can be added as plugins and used immediately without waiting for a full software release.
Can I use PAMGuard with Python, Matlab, or R?
Yes. PAMGuard supports data export and integration with Python via the PyPAMGuard library, Matlab via the pgmatlab library (v2.0.0+), and R, enabling users to run advanced statistical analyses on PAMGuard detections within their preferred scientific computing environment.
