LIN, Tzu-Hao
LIN, Tzu-Hao
My research focuses on using underwater soundscapes to predict and monitor marine biodiversity. In 2018, I launched the Ocean Biodiversity Listening Project (OBLP), an open science initiative dedicated to leveraging underwater soundscapes for biodiversity conservation. Through international collaborations, our research has mapped soundscape dynamics across a wide range of marine ecosystems. These findings not only uncover the unique acoustic fingerprints of different habitats but also demonstrate the potential of soundscapes to decode the complex interplay between marine biodiversity, climate change, and human activity.
We have established >10 long-term monitoring sites around Taiwan. Building on the extensive audio datasets, our next steps include a deeper examination of soundscape diversity across marine ecosystems, investigations into ecological connectivity between shallow- and deep-water reefs, and assessments of ecosystem responses to extreme weather events. To broaden the ecological applications of underwater soundscapes, we are advancing AI models capable of reliably detecting and assessing the diversity of biological sounds. These AI approaches will greatly reduce reliance on time- and labor-intensive manual analysis, thereby enhancing our ability to track spatiotemporal dynamics in marine biodiversity. Recognizing the limitations of taxonomic identification based solely on sound, we are also applying environmental DNA metabarcoding to link acoustic diversity with biological diversity. This integration opens new opportunities for ecoacoustic-based biodiversity assessment and conservation planning.
Professional Experience
2025 – now Associate Research Fellow, Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica
2020 – now Taiwan International Graduate Program –Biodiversity, Academia Sinica
2020 – 2025 Assistant Research Fellow, Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica
2018 – 2020 Young Research Fellow, Research Institute for Global Change, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology
2016 – 2018 Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Research Center for Information Technology Innovation, Academia Sinica
2013 – 2016 Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University
Education
2007-2013 Ph.D. Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, National Taiwan University
2003-2007 B.S. Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University
Service and Professional activities
2024 – now Managing/Associated Editor, Zoological Studies
2023 – now Co-lead of Artificial Intelligence Working Group, Global Library of Underwater Biological Sounds
2023 - 2025 Director, Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation
2021 Ocean Science Expert Panels for “Decision-Making on Deep-Sea Mineral Stewardship: A Supply Chain Perspective”, World Economic Forum
2021 – now Committee Member of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins, Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council.
2017 – now Member of working group on Acoustic Measurement of Ocean Biodiversity Hotspots, International Quiet Ocean Experiment
2015 – 2016 Secretary General, Soundscape Association of Taiwan
Awards and Highlights
2024 Joint Usage and Collaborative Research Grant, University of the Ryukyus
2023 Excellent Young Scholar, National Science and Technology Council
2021 The Best Research Paper Award, the 34th Symposium of Taiwan Acoustical Association
2020 17th National Innovation Award (co-awarded with Dr. Yu Tsao and Dr. Li-Chin Chen)
2020 Microsoft AI for Earth
2018 Early Career Travel Subsidy, Acoustical Society of America
2015 The Best Research Paper Award, the 28th Symposium of Taiwan Acoustical Association
2014 Young Fisheries Acoustician Award. Asian Fisheries Acoustics Society
2014 Life Science 3 Minute Thesis Competition: Award of Audiences’ Choice, National Taiwan University
2013 Young Researcher Award, IEEE OES Japan Chapter
2011 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, National Taiwan University
2009, 2010 Excellent Teaching Assistant Award, National Taiwan University