Building an OceanObserver-like system to monitor cetaceans

Build
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I wish to build an OceanObserver-like system (• OceanObserver | JASCO Applied Sciences) using various circuit boards, like AudioMoth Dev (https://www.openacousticdevices.info/audiomoth ). I can get the hydrophones, the acrylic enclosures (from BlueRobotics) and most of the other components. Comparing the base boards in the OceanObserver to that of the AudioMoth Dev, it looks as though much of the functionality is all together in the AMDev board. The OceanObserver has a main board containing a Zynq XC7Z020 chip with dual core ARM and “FPGA fabric” and it would be nice to compare/contrast these chips/boards with that of the Gecko chip/board in the AMDev.
The AudioMoth Dev board is much cheaper than the OceanObserver base board. Once built, the final product could fit onto the BlueBoat and used to monitor various cetaceans (whales, porpoises, dolphins, etc.) in real time.

There are so-called “daughter boards” to add on to the main board of the OceanObserver to add functionality. I am wondering if the AudioMothDev needs any enhancements/add-ons?
It seems there is a renewed interest in building UW listening systems like OceanObserver, Acbotics (AcSense-Mini), and BlueiQ (Redefining Acoustic Monitoring, An Exclusive Look At BLUEiQ’s OpenEar Hydrophone | Ocean News & Technology)

I appreciate any responses to the above build project.

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Sounds like a great project! The AudioMoth Dev board is cheaper but may need add-ons to match the OceanObserver’s features. Consider adding external storage, improving power management, and integrating wireless data transmission if needed. Check compatibility with BlueRobotics’ enclosures as well. Good luck!