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Hao X, Hamel H, Grandjean CH, Fedutin I, Wahlberg M, Frankish CK, Nabe‐Nielsen J. Harbour porpoises respond to recreational boats by speeding up and moving away from the boat path. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e11433. [PMID: 38756690 PMCID: PMC11096697 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.11433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Recreational boats are common in many coastal waters, yet their effects on cetaceans and other sensitive marine species remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we used drone video footage recorded from a recreational boat to quantify how harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) responded to the boat approaching at different speeds (10 or 20 knots). Furthermore, we used a hydrophone to record boat noise levels at full bandwidth (0.1-150 kHz) and at the 1/3 octave 16 kHz frequency band for both experimental speeds. The experiments were carried out in shallow waters near Funen, Denmark (55.51° N, 10.79° E) between July and September 2022. Porpoises were more likely to move further away from the path of the boat when approached at 10 knots, but not when approached at 20 knots. In contrast, they swam faster when approached at 20 knots, but not when approached at 10 knots. The recorded received sound level did not depend on how fast the boat approached, suggesting that differences in porpoise responses were related to the speed of the approaching boat rather than to sound intensity. In addition, porpoises generally reacted within close proximity (<200 m) to the approaching boat and quickly (<50 s) resumed their natural behaviour once the boat had passed, indicating that the direct impact of small vessels on porpoise behaviour was most likely small. Nevertheless, repeated exposure to noise from small vessels may influence porpoises' activity or energy budget, and cause them to relocate from disturbed areas. The approach used in this study increases our understanding of recreational boats' impact on harbour porpoises and can be used to inform efficient mitigation measures to help focus conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuqing Hao
- Department of EcoscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Héloïse Hamel
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | | | | | - Magnus Wahlberg
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
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2
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El-Dairi R, Outinen O, Kankaanpää H. Anthropogenic underwater noise: A review on physiological and molecular responses of marine biota. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115978. [PMID: 38217911 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental effects of anthropogenic underwater noise on marine organisms have garnered significant attention among scientists. This review delves into the research concerning the repercussions of underwater noise on marine species, with specific emphasis on the physiological and molecular responses of marine biota. This review investigates the sensory mechanisms, hearing sensitivity, and reaction thresholds of diverse marine organisms, shedding light on their susceptibility to underwater noise disturbances. The physiological and molecular effects of anthropogenic underwater noise on marine biota include oxidative stress, energy homeostasis, metabolism, immune function, and respiration. Additionally, changes in the gene expression profile associated with oxidative stress, metabolism, and immunological response are among the responses reported for marine biota. These effects pose a threat to animal fitness and potentially affect their survival as individuals and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami El-Dairi
- Marine and Freshwater Solutions, Finnish Environment Institute, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Okko Outinen
- Marine and Freshwater Solutions, Finnish Environment Institute, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Kankaanpää
- Marine and Freshwater Solutions, Finnish Environment Institute, Agnes Sjöbergin katu 2, FI-00790 Helsinki, Finland
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3
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Gransier R, Kastelein RA. Similar susceptibility to temporary hearing threshold shifts despite different audiograms in harbor porpoises and harbor seals. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024; 155:396-404. [PMID: 38240666 DOI: 10.1121/10.0024343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
When they are exposed to loud fatiguing sounds in the oceans, marine mammals are susceptible to hearing damage in the form of temporary hearing threshold shifts (TTSs) or permanent hearing threshold shifts. We compared the level-dependent and frequency-dependent susceptibility to TTSs in harbor seals and harbor porpoises, species with different hearing sensitivities in the low- and high-frequency regions. Both species were exposed to 100% duty cycle one-sixth-octave noise bands at frequencies that covered their entire hearing range. In the case of the 6.5 kHz exposure for the harbor seals, a pure tone (continuous wave) was used. TTS was quantified as a function of sound pressure level (SPL) half an octave above the center frequency of the fatiguing sound. The species have different audiograms, but their frequency-specific susceptibility to TTS was more similar. The hearing frequency range in which both species were most susceptible to TTS was 22.5-50 kHz. Furthermore, the frequency ranges were characterized by having similar critical levels (defined as the SPL of the fatiguing sound above which the magnitude of TTS induced as a function of SPL increases more strongly). This standardized between-species comparison indicates that the audiogram is not a good predictor of frequency-dependent susceptibility to TTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Gransier
- Research Group Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology (ExpORL), Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 721, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ronald A Kastelein
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3842 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
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Branstetter BK, Nease K, Accomando AW, Davenport J, Felice M, Peters K, Robeck T. Temporal integration of tone signals by a killer whale (Orcinus orca). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 154:3906-3915. [PMID: 38117126 DOI: 10.1121/10.0023956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
A psychophysical procedure was used to measure pure-tone detection thresholds for a killer whale (Orcinus orca) as a function of both signal frequency and signal duration. Frequencies ranged between 1 and 100 kHz and signal durations ranged from 50 μs to 2 s, depending on the frequency. Detection thresholds decreased with an increase in signal duration up to a critical duration, which represents the auditory integration time. Integration times ranged from 4 ms at 100 kHz and increased up to 241 ms at 1 kHz. The killer whale data are similar to other odontocete species that have participated in similar experiments. The results have implications for noise impact predictions for signals with durations less than the auditory integration time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Branstetter
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, #204, San Diego, California 92106, USA
- Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific, 528 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Honolulu, Hawaii 96860, USA
| | - Kayla Nease
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, #204, San Diego, California 92106, USA
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California 92109, USA
| | - Alyssa W Accomando
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, #204, San Diego, California 92106, USA
- Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego, California 92152, USA
| | - Jennifer Davenport
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California 92109, USA
| | - Michael Felice
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California 92109, USA
| | - Ken Peters
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California 92109, USA
| | - Todd Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, Florida 21821, USA
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5
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Elmegaard SL, Teilmann J, Rojano-Doñate L, Brennecke D, Mikkelsen L, Balle JD, Gosewinkel U, Kyhn LA, Tønnesen P, Wahlberg M, Ruser A, Siebert U, Madsen PT. Wild harbour porpoises startle and flee at low received levels from acoustic harassment device. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16691. [PMID: 37794093 PMCID: PMC10550999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acoustic Harassment Devices (AHD) are widely used to deter marine mammals from aquaculture depredation, and from pile driving operations that may otherwise cause hearing damage. However, little is known about the behavioural and physiological effects of these devices. Here, we investigate the physiological and behavioural responses of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) to a commercial AHD in Danish waters. Six porpoises were tagged with suction-cup-attached DTAGs recording sound, 3D-movement, and GPS (n = 3) or electrocardiogram (n = 2). They were then exposed to AHDs for 15 min, with initial received levels (RL) ranging from 98 to 132 dB re 1 µPa (rms-fast, 125 ms) and initial exposure ranges of 0.9-7 km. All animals reacted by displaying a mixture of acoustic startle responses, fleeing, altered echolocation behaviour, and by demonstrating unusual tachycardia while diving. Moreover, during the 15-min exposures, half of the animals received cumulative sound doses close to published thresholds for temporary auditory threshold shifts. We conclude that AHD exposure at many km can evoke both startle, flight and cardiac responses which may impact blood-gas management, breath-hold capability, energy balance, stress level and risk of by-catch. We posit that current AHDs are too powerful for mitigation use to prevent hearing damage of porpoises from offshore construction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri L Elmegaard
- Zoophysiology, Dept. of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Marine Mammal Research, Dept. of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Marine Mammal Research, Dept. of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Laia Rojano-Doñate
- Zoophysiology, Dept. of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
- Marine Mammal Research, Dept. of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Dennis Brennecke
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Lonnie Mikkelsen
- Marine Mammal Research, Dept. of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Norwegian Polar Institute, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Jeppe D Balle
- Marine Mammal Research, Dept. of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ulrich Gosewinkel
- Environmental Microbiology, Dept. of Environmental Science, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Line A Kyhn
- Marine Mammal Research, Dept. of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Pernille Tønnesen
- Zoophysiology, Dept. of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Magnus Wahlberg
- Marine Biological Research Centre, Dept. of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5300, Kerteminde, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ruser
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761, Büsum, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761, Büsum, Germany
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Stepien EN, Olsen MT, Nabe–Nielsen J, Hansen KA, Kristensen JH, Blanchet M, Brando S, Desportes G, Lockyer C, Marcenaro L, Bunskoek P, Kemper J, Siebert U, Wahlberg M. Determination of growth, mass, and body mass index of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena): Implications for conservational status assessment of populations. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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7
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Graham IM, Gillespie D, Gkikopoulou KC, Hastie GD, Thompson PM. Directional hydrophone clusters reveal evasive responses of small cetaceans to disturbance during construction at offshore windfarms. Biol Lett 2023; 19:20220101. [PMID: 36651028 PMCID: PMC9845968 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2022.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitigation measures to disperse marine mammals prior to pile-driving include acoustic deterrent devices and piling soft starts, but their efficacy remains uncertain. We developed a self-contained portable hydrophone cluster to detect small cetacean movements from the distributions of bearings to detections. Using an array of clusters within 10 km of foundation pile installations, we tested the hypothesis that harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) respond to mitigation measures at offshore windfarm sites by moving away. During baseline periods, porpoise movements were evenly distributed in all directions. By contrast, animals showed significant directional movement away from sound sources during acoustic deterrent device use and piling soft starts. We demonstrate that porpoises respond to measures aimed to mitigate the most severe impacts of construction at offshore windfarms by swimming directly away from these sound sources. Portable directional hydrophone clusters now provide opportunities to characterize responses to disturbance sources across a broad suite of habitats and contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. M. Graham
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, Scotland
| | - D. Gillespie
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - K. C. Gkikopoulou
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - G. D. Hastie
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - P. M. Thompson
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, Scotland
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8
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Gannier AJ, Boyer G, Gannier AC. Recreational boating as a potential stressor of coastal striped dolphins in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114222. [PMID: 36334520 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is the most abundant cetacean species in the western Mediterranean Sea. Coastal populations are locally exposed to intense recreational boating, a growing activity over the last thirty years. Dedicated boat surveys carried out since 1988 (13,896 km of effort), enabled to map relative abundance for two periods, 1988-2003 and 2004-2019, which evidenced a significant decrease of habitat use in the inshore part of study area. Coastal traffic was surveyed from a shore lookout located in Cap d'Antibes (French Riviera) during 47 daily sessions from May 2017 to April 2018: traffic flow often exceeded one boat per minute in summer, with a majority of motorboats. Underwater recordings showed that inshore noise was about 10 dB higher than in the open sea, with much energy being propagated by fast boats, including in the medium to high frequency domain. Ambient noise data collected during spring 2020 lockdown evidenced a clear noise level decrease compared to normal situations. Although other stressors may not be neglected, this study suggested that intense motorboat traffic is a likely contributor to the observed striped dolphin partial habitat loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gilles Boyer
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Cétacés, BP 715 - 06633 Antibes cedex, France
| | - Adrien C Gannier
- Groupe de Recherche sur les Cétacés, BP 715 - 06633 Antibes cedex, France
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9
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von Benda-Beckmann AM, Ketten DR, Lam FPA, de Jong CAF, Müller RAJ, Kastelein RA. Evaluation of kurtosis-corrected sound exposure level as a metric for predicting onset of hearing threshold shifts in harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 152:295. [PMID: 35931542 DOI: 10.1121/10.0012364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Application of a kurtosis correction to frequency-weighted sound exposure level (SEL) improved predictions of risk of hearing damage in humans and terrestrial mammals for sound exposures with different degrees of impulsiveness. To assess whether kurtosis corrections may lead to improved predictions for marine mammals, corrections were applied to temporary threshold shift (TTS) growth measurements for harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) exposed to different sounds. Kurtosis-corrected frequency-weighted SEL predicted accurately the growth of low levels of TTS (TTS1-4 < 10 dB) for intermittent sounds with short (1-13 s) silence intervals but was not consistent with frequency-weighted SEL data for continuous sound exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D R Ketten
- The Hearing Research Center, Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, Massachusetts 02155, USA
| | - F P A Lam
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - C A F de Jong
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - R A J Müller
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - R A Kastelein
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
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10
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Tougaard J, Beedholm K, Madsen PT. Thresholds for noise induced hearing loss in harbor porpoises and phocid seals. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:4252. [PMID: 35778178 DOI: 10.1121/10.0011560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intense sound sources, such as pile driving, airguns, and military sonars, have the potential to inflict hearing loss in marine mammals and are, therefore, regulated in many countries. The most recent criteria for noise induced hearing loss are based on empirical data collected until 2015 and recommend frequency-weighted and species group-specific thresholds to predict the onset of temporary threshold shift (TTS). Here, evidence made available after 2015 in light of the current criteria for two functional hearing groups is reviewed. For impulsive sounds (from pile driving and air guns), there is strong support for the current threshold for very high frequency cetaceans, including harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Less strong support also exists for the threshold for phocid seals in water, including harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). For non-impulsive sounds, there is good correspondence between exposure functions and empirical thresholds below 10 kHz for porpoises (applicable to assessment and regulation of military sonars) and between 3 and 16 kHz for seals. Above 10 kHz for porpoises and outside of the range 3-16 kHz for seals, there are substantial differences (up to 35 dB) between the predicted thresholds for TTS and empirical results. These discrepancies call for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Tougaard
- Department of Ecoscience, Marine Mammal Research, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Kristian Beedholm
- Department of Biology, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Peter T Madsen
- Department of Biology, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
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11
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van Geel NCF, Risch D, Wittich A. A brief overview of current approaches for underwater sound analysis and reporting. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113610. [PMID: 35468578 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soundscapes have substantially changed since the industrial revolution and in response to biodiversity loss and climate change. Human activities such as shipping, resource exploration and offshore construction alter natural ecosystems through sound, which can impact marine species in complex ways. The study of underwater sound is multi-disciplinary, spanning the fields of acoustics, physics, animal physiology and behaviour to marine ecology and conservation. These different backgrounds have led to the use of various disparate terms, metrics, and summary statistics, which can hamper comparisons between studies. Different types of equipment, analytical pathways, and reporting can lead to different results for the same sound source, with implications for impact assessments. For meaningful comparisons and derivation of appropriate thresholds, mitigation, and management approaches, it is necessary to develop common standards. This paper presents a brief overview of acoustic metrics, analysis approaches and reporting standards used in the context of long-term monitoring of soundscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke C F van Geel
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Denise Risch
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Anja Wittich
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, United Kingdom
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12
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Parameterizing animal sounds and motion with animal-attached tags to study acoustic communication. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-022-03154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Stemming from the traditional use of field observers to score states and events, the study of animal behaviour often relies on analyses of discrete behavioural categories. Many studies of acoustic communication record sequences of animal sounds, classify vocalizations, and then examine how call categories are used relative to behavioural states and events. However, acoustic parameters can also convey information independent of call type, offering complementary study approaches to call classifications. Animal-attached tags can continuously sample high-resolution behavioural data on sounds and movements, which enables testing how acoustic parameters of signals relate to parameters of animal motion. Here, we present this approach through case studies on wild common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Using data from sound-and-movement recording tags deployed in Sarasota (FL), we parameterized dolphin vocalizations and motion to investigate how senders and receivers modified movement parameters (including vectorial dynamic body acceleration, “VeDBA”, a proxy for activity intensity) as a function of signal parameters. We show that (1) VeDBA of one female during consortships had a negative relationship with centroid frequency of male calls, matching predictions about agonistic interactions based on motivation-structural rules; (2) VeDBA of four males had a positive relationship with modulation rate of their pulsed vocalizations, confirming predictions that click-repetition rate of these calls increases with agonism intensity. Tags offer opportunities to study animal behaviour through analyses of continuously sampled quantitative parameters, which can complement traditional methods and facilitate research replication. Our case studies illustrate the value of this approach to investigate communicative roles of acoustic parameter changes.
Significance statement
Studies of animal behaviour have traditionally relied on classification of behavioural patterns and analyses of discrete behavioural categories. Today, technologies such as animal-attached tags enable novel approaches, facilitating the use of quantitative metrics to characterize behaviour. In the field of acoustic communication, researchers typically classify vocalizations and examine usage of call categories. Through case studies of bottlenose dolphin social interactions, we present here a novel tag-based complementary approach. We used high-resolution tag data to parameterize dolphin sounds and motion, and we applied continuously sampled parameters to examine how individual dolphins responded to conspecifics’ signals and moved while producing sounds. Activity intensity of senders and receivers changed with specific call parameters, matching our predictions and illustrating the value of our approach to test communicative roles of acoustic parameter changes. Parametric approaches can complement traditional methods for animal behaviour and facilitate research replication.
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13
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Behavioral responses to predatory sounds predict sensitivity of cetaceans to anthropogenic noise within a soundscape of fear. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2114932119. [PMID: 35312354 PMCID: PMC9060435 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114932119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acoustic signals travel efficiently in the marine environment, allowing soniferous predators and prey to eavesdrop on each other. Our results with four cetacean species indicate that they use acoustic information to assess predation risk and have evolved mechanisms to reduce predation risk by ceasing foraging. Species that more readily gave up foraging in response to predatory sounds of killer whales also decreased foraging more during 1- to 4-kHz sonar exposures, indicating that species exhibiting costly antipredator responses also have stronger behavioral reactions to anthropogenic noise. This advance in our understanding of the drivers of disturbance helps us to predict what species and habitats are likely to be most severely impacted by underwater noise pollution in oceans undergoing increasing anthropogenic activities. As human activities impact virtually every animal habitat on the planet, identifying species at-risk from disturbance is a priority. Cetaceans are an example taxon where responsiveness to anthropogenic noise can be severe but highly species and context specific, with source–receiver characteristics such as hearing sensitivity only partially explaining this variability. Here, we predicted that ecoevolutionary factors that increase species responsiveness to predation risk also increase responsiveness to anthropogenic noise. We found that reductions in intense-foraging time during exposure to 1- to 4-kHz naval sonar and predatory killer whale sounds were highly correlated (r = 0.92) across four cetacean species. Northern bottlenose whales ceased foraging completely during killer whale and sonar exposures, followed by humpback, long-finned pilot, and sperm whales, which reduced intense foraging by 48 to 97%. Individual responses to sonar were partly predicted by species-level responses to killer whale playbacks, implying a similar level of perceived risk. The correlation cannot be solely explained by hearing sensitivity, indicating that species- and context-specific antipredator adaptations also shape cetacean responses to human-made noise. Species that are more responsive to predator presence are predicted to be more disturbance sensitive, implying a looming double whammy for Arctic cetaceans facing increased anthropogenic and predator activity with reduced ice cover.
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14
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Marotte E, Wright AJ, Breeze H, Wingfield J, Matthews LP, Risch D, Merchant ND, Barclay D, Evers C, Lawson J, Lesage V, Moors-Murphy H, Nolet V, Theriault JA. Recommended metrics for quantifying underwater noise impacts on North Atlantic right whales. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113361. [PMID: 35077924 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic underwater noise has been identified as a potentially serious stressor for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW). The Government of Canada is undertaking steps to better characterize the noise sources of most concern and their associated impacts, but there is currently an insufficient understanding of which noise sources are most impacting NARW in their Canadian habitat. This knowledge gap together with the myriad possible methods and metrics for quantifying underwater noise presents a confounding and challenging problem that risks delaying timely mitigation. This study presents the results from a 2020 workshop aimed at developing a series of metrics recommended specifically for better characterizing the types of noise deemed of greatest concern for NARW in Canadian waters. The recommendations provide a basis for more targeted research on noise impacts and set the stage for more effective management and protection of NARW, with potential conservation applications to similar species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmaline Marotte
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Andrew J Wright
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Heather Breeze
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Jessica Wingfield
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Leanna P Matthews
- Sound Science Research Collective, 5305 N. Douglas Highway, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
| | - Denise Risch
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK
| | - Nathan D Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, Suffolk, UK
| | - David Barclay
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Clair Evers
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Jack Lawson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, 80 East White Hills Road, St. John's, NL A1C 5X1, Canada
| | - Veronique Lesage
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, P.O. Box 1000, 850 route de la Mer, Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Hilary Moors-Murphy
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Veronique Nolet
- Transport Canada, Innovation Centre, 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5, Canada
| | - James A Theriault
- Ocean Environmental Consulting, 9 Ravine Park Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 4S6, Canada
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15
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Jäckel D, Ortiz Troncoso A, Dähne M, Bölling C. The Animal Audiogram Database: A community-based resource for consolidated audiogram data and metadata. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:1125. [PMID: 35232080 DOI: 10.1121/10.0009402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of hearing ability, as represented in audiograms, is essential for understanding how animals acoustically perceive their environment, predicting and counteracting the effects of anthropogenic noise, and managing wildlife. Audiogram data and relevant background information are currently only available embedded in the text of individual scientific publications in various unstandardized formats. This heterogeneity makes it hard to access, compare, and integrate audiograms. The Animal Audiogram Database (https://animalaudiograms.org) assembles published audiogram data, metadata about the corresponding experiments, and links to the original publications in a consistent format. The database content is the result of an extensive survey of the scientific literature and manual curation of the audiometric data found therein. As of November 1, 2021, the database contains 306 audiogram datasets from 34 animal species. The scope and format of the provided metadata and design of the database interface were established by active research community involvement. Options to compare audiograms and download datasets in structured formats are provided. With the focus currently on vertebrates and hearing in underwater environments, the database is drafted as a free and open resource for facilitating the review and correction of the contained data and collaborative extension with audiogram data from any taxonomic group and habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Jäckel
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, Berlin, 10115, Germany
| | - Alvaro Ortiz Troncoso
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, Berlin, 10115, Germany
| | - Michael Dähne
- Deutsches Meeresmuseum, Katharinenberg 14-20, Stralsund, 18439, Germany
| | - Christian Bölling
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, Berlin, 10115, Germany
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16
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Lo CF, Nielsen KA, Ashe E, Bain DE, Mendez-Bye A, Reiss SA, Bogaard LT, Collins MS, Williams R. Measuring speed of vessels operating around endangered southern resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Salish Sea critical habitat. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113301. [PMID: 35090284 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Motorized vessels are a major source of anthropogenic noise and can have adverse effects on species relying on sound for communication and feeding. Monitoring noise levels received by endangered southern resident killer whales (SRKWs) requires knowing the number, distance, and speed of surrounding vessels, including small boats that do not have Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). A method for estimating their speed is required to predict received noise levels and compliance with vessel regulations. We compared theodolite and photogrammetry methods to estimate the number, distance, and speed of vessels in SRKW Salish Sea summertime critical habitat. By treating AIS as "truth", we found photogrammetry-derived ranges and speeds were more variable than theodolite estimates. Error in photogrammetry-derived speeds increased with range. Overall, we found time saved in the field using photogrammetry was more than offset by long analysis time. Theodolite data were relatively easy to collect, and produced accurate and precise results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine F Lo
- Oceans Initiative, 117 E Louisa St #135, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
| | | | - Erin Ashe
- Oceans Initiative, 117 E Louisa St #135, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; Oceans Research and Conservation Association / ORCA, Pearse Island Box 193 Alert Bay BC V0N 1A0 Canada
| | - David E Bain
- Orca Conservancy, P.O. Box 16628, Seattle, WA 98116, USA
| | | | | | - Laura T Bogaard
- Oceans Initiative, 117 E Louisa St #135, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | | | - Rob Williams
- Oceans Initiative, 117 E Louisa St #135, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; Oceans Research and Conservation Association / ORCA, Pearse Island Box 193 Alert Bay BC V0N 1A0 Canada
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17
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Amron A, Hidayat RR, Nur Meinita MD, Trenggono M. Underwater noise of traditional fishing boats in Cilacap waters, Indonesia. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08364. [PMID: 34841102 PMCID: PMC8606347 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The characteristics of traditional fishing boats based on distance are very important to be studied as the main contributor to noise pollution in Cilacap waters. Therefore, this study aimed to determine noise intensity and frequency based on the distance for each traditional fishing boat (3, 5, and 10 Gross Tonage/GT). The results showed that these boats emitted noise with broadband frequency and peak receive levels of 137.6 dB re 1 μPa (3 GT fishing boat at 42.6 m). Furthermore, the noise characteristics were different for each type of ship due to differences in size, engine type, and operational speed. The receive level had the same decreased pattern based on the distance for each noise frequency but with a different intensity. Meanwhile, the noise frequency increased linearly based on the distance and was directly proportional to the pattern of change. Therefore, the higher the frequency, the faster the disappearance of the intensity with increasing distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amron Amron
- Department of Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, 53123, Indonesia
| | - Rizqi Rizaldi Hidayat
- Department of Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, 53123, Indonesia.,Centre for Maritime Bioscience, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, 53123, Indonesia
| | - Maria Dyah Nur Meinita
- Department of Aquatic Resources, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, 53123, Indonesia.,Centre for Maritime Bioscience, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, 53123, Indonesia
| | - Mukti Trenggono
- Department of Marine Science, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, 53123, Indonesia.,Centre for Maritime Bioscience, Jenderal Soedirman University, Purwokerto, 53123, Indonesia
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18
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Elmegaard SL, McDonald BI, Teilmann J, Madsen PT. Heart rate and startle responses in diving, captive harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) exposed to transient noise and sonar. Biol Open 2021; 10:bio058679. [PMID: 34133736 PMCID: PMC8249908 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise can alter marine mammal behaviour and physiology, but little is known about cetacean cardiovascular responses to exposures, despite evidence that acoustic stressors, such as naval sonars, may lead to decompression sickness. Here, we measured heart rate and movements of two trained harbour porpoises during controlled exposure to 6-9 kHz sonar-like sweeps and 40 kHz peak-frequency noise pulses, designed to evoke acoustic startle responses. The porpoises initially responded to the sonar sweep with intensified bradycardia despite unaltered behaviour/movement, but habituated rapidly to the stimuli. In contrast, 40 kHz noise pulses consistently evoked rapid muscle flinches (indicative of startles), but no behavioural or heart rate changes. We conclude that the autonomous startle response appears decoupled from, or overridden by, cardiac regulation in diving porpoises, whereas certain novel stimuli may motivate oxygen-conserving cardiovascular measures. Such responses to sound exposure may contribute to gas mismanagement for deeper-diving cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri L. Elmegaard
- Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Birgitte I. McDonald
- Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, San Jose State University, Moss Landing, CA 95039-9647, USA
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Peter T. Madsen
- Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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19
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Findlay CR, Aleynik D, Farcas A, Merchant ND, Risch D, Wilson B. Auditory impairment from acoustic seal deterrents predicted for harbour porpoises in a marine protected area. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte R. Findlay
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) University of the Highlands and Islands Oban UK
| | - Dmitry Aleynik
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) University of the Highlands and Islands Oban UK
| | - Adrian Farcas
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) Lowestoft UK
| | - Nathan D. Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) Lowestoft UK
| | - Denise Risch
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) University of the Highlands and Islands Oban UK
| | - Ben Wilson
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) University of the Highlands and Islands Oban UK
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20
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Daly E, White M. Bottom trawling noise: Are fishing vessels polluting to deeper acoustic habitats? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 162:111877. [PMID: 33290960 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The impact of bottom trawling noise was quantified on two surrounding marine acoustic habitats using fixed mooring acoustic recorders. Noise during trawling activity is shown to be considerably louder than ambient noise and a nearby underway research vessel. Estimated source levels were above cetacean damage thresholds. Measurements at a submarine canyon indicated potential noise focussing, inferring a role for such features to enhance down slope noise propagation at continental margin sites. Modelled sound propagates more efficiently when sourced from trawling gear dragging along the seabed relative to the vessel as a surface source. Results are contextualised with respect to marine mammal harm, to other anthropogenic ocean noise sources, topography and seasons. Noise energy emitted by bottom trawling activity is a source of pollution that requires further consideration, in line with other pervasive trawling pressures on marine species and seabed habitats, especially in areas of heightened ecological susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoghan Daly
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG), Ireland.
| | - Martin White
- Earth and Ocean Sciences, Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG), Ireland
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21
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Lucke K, Bruce Martin S, Racca R. Evaluating the predictive strength of underwater noise exposure criteria for marine mammals. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 147:3985. [PMID: 32611141 DOI: 10.1121/10.0001412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The aim of underwater noise exposure criteria in a regulatory context is to identify at what received levels noise-induced effects are predicted to occur, so that those effects may be appropriately considered in an evaluation or mitigation context under the respective regulatory regime. Special emphasis has been given to hearing related impairment of marine mammals due to their high sensitivity to and reliance on underwater sound. Existing regulations of underwater noise show substantial qualitative and quantitative discrepancies. A dataset acquired during an experiment that induced temporary threshold shift (TTS) in a harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from Lucke, Siebert, Lepper, and Blanchet [(2009). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 125, 4060-4070] was reanalyzed to see if various exposure criteria predicted TTS differently for high-frequency cetaceans. This provided an unambiguous quantitative comparison of predicted TTS levels for the existing noise exposure criteria used by regulatory bodies in several countries. The comparative evaluation of the existing noise exposure criteria shows substantial disagreement in the predicted levels for onset for auditory effects. While frequency-weighting functions evolved to provide a better representation of sensitivity to noise exposure when compared to measured results at the criteria's onset, thresholds remain the most important parameter determining a match between criteria and measured results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Lucke
- JASCO Applied Sciences (Australia) Pty Ltd, Capalaba, QLD, Australia
| | - S Bruce Martin
- JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Roberto Racca
- JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd, Victoria, BC, Canada
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22
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Sørensen K, Neumann C, Dähne M, Hansen KA, Wahlberg M. Gentoo penguins ( Pygoscelis papua) react to underwater sounds. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:191988. [PMID: 32257350 PMCID: PMC7062047 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammals and diving birds face several physiological challenges under water, affecting their thermoregulation and locomotion as well as their sensory systems. Therefore, marine mammals have modified ears for improved underwater hearing. Underwater hearing in birds has been studied in a few species, but for the record-holding divers, such as penguins, there are no detailed data. We played underwater noise bursts to gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) in a large tank at received sound pressure levels between 100 and 120 dB re 1 µPa RMS. The penguins showed a graded reaction to the noise bursts, ranging from no reactions at 100 dB to strong reactions in more than 60% of the playbacks at 120 dB re 1 µPa. The responses were always directed away from the sound source. The fact that penguins can detect and react to underwater stimuli may indicate that they make use of sound stimuli for orientation and prey detection during dives. Further, it suggests that penguins may be sensitive to anthropogenic noise, like many species of marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Sørensen
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - C. Neumann
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - M. Dähne
- German Oceanographic Museum Foundation, Katharinenberg 14-20, 18439 Stralsund, Germany
| | - K. A. Hansen
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
| | - M. Wahlberg
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
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23
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Schaffeld T, Ruser A, Woelfing B, Baltzer J, Kristensen JH, Larsson J, Schnitzler JG, Siebert U. The use of seal scarers as a protective mitigation measure can induce hearing impairment in harbour porpoises. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 146:4288. [PMID: 31893707 DOI: 10.1121/1.5135303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) are used to deter seals from aquacultures but exposure of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) occurs as a side-effect. At construction sites, by contrast, ADDs are used to deter harbour porpoises from the zone in which pile driving noise can induce temporary threshold shifts (TTSs). ADDs emit such high pressure levels that there is concern that ADDs themselves may induce a TTS. A harbour porpoise in human care was exposed to an artificial ADD signal with a peak frequency of 14 kHz. A significant TTS was found, measured by auditory evoked potentials, with an onset of 142 dB re 1 μPa2s at 20 kHz and 147 dB re 1 μPa2s at 28 kHz. The authors therefore strongly recommend to gradually increase and down regulate source levels of ADDs to the desired deterrence range. However, further research is needed to develop a reliable relationship between received levels and deterrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schaffeld
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Andreas Ruser
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Benno Woelfing
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Johannes Baltzer
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | | | | | - Joseph G Schnitzler
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
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24
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Hermannsen L, Mikkelsen L, Tougaard J, Beedholm K, Johnson M, Madsen PT. Recreational vessels without Automatic Identification System (AIS) dominate anthropogenic noise contributions to a shallow water soundscape. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15477. [PMID: 31664060 PMCID: PMC6820791 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51222-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recreational boating is an increasing activity in coastal areas and its spatiotemporal overlap with key habitats of marine species pose a risk for negative noise impacts. Yet, recreational vessels are currently unaccounted for in vessel noise models using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Here we conduct a case study investigating noise contributions from vessels with and without AIS (non-AIS) in a shallow coastal area within the Inner Danish waters. By tracking vessels with theodolite and AIS, while recording ambient noise levels, we find that non-AIS vessels have a higher occurrence (83%) than AIS vessels, and that motorised recreational vessels can elevate third-octave band noise centred at 0.125, 2 and 16 kHz by 47-51 dB. Accordingly, these vessels dominated the soundscape in the study site due to their high numbers, high speeds and proximity to the coast. Furthermore, recreational vessels caused 49-85% of noise events potentially eliciting behavioural responses in harbour porpoises (AIS vessels caused 5-24%). We therefore conclude that AIS data would poorly predict vessel noise pollution and its impacts in this and other similar marine environments. We suggest to improve vessel noise models and impact assessments by requiring that faster and more powerful recreational vessels carry AIS-transmitters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Hermannsen
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. .,Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Lonnie Mikkelsen
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jakob Tougaard
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kristian Beedholm
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mark Johnson
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Peter T Madsen
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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25
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Interacting effects of vessel noise and shallow river depth elevate metabolic stress in Ganges river dolphins. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15426. [PMID: 31659202 PMCID: PMC6817857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51664-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In riverine ‘soundscapes’, complex interactions between sound, substrate type, and depth create difficulties in assessing impacts of anthropogenic noise pollution on freshwater fauna. Underwater noise from vessels can negatively affect endangered Ganges river dolphins (Platanista gangetica), which are ‘almost blind’ and rely entirely on high-frequency echolocation clicks to sense their environment. We conducted field-based acoustic recordings and modelling to assess acoustic responses of Platanista to underwater noise exposure from vessels in the Ganga River (India), which is now being transformed into a major waterway. Dolphins showed enhanced activity during acute noise exposure and suppressed activity during chronic exposure. Increase in ambient noise levels altered dolphin acoustic responses, strongly masked echolocation clicks, and more than doubled metabolic stress. Noise impacts were further aggravated during dry-season river depth reduction. Maintaining ecological flows, downscaling of vessel traffic, and propeller modifications to reduce cavitation noise, could help mitigate noise impacts on Ganges river dolphins.
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26
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Effects of whale-based tourism in Vava'u, Kingdom of Tonga: Behavioural responses of humpback whales to vessel and swimming tourism activities. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219364. [PMID: 31276544 PMCID: PMC6611604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Vava’u, Kingdom of Tonga, is a well-established whale-watching destination in the South Pacific. Between July and October, the waters around the archipelago represent one of the most important breeding grounds for Oceania humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). The Tongan government allows tourist swimming activities with whales and tour operators strongly promote the practice of swimming-with-whales, focusing primarily on mother-calf pairs. However, there is increasing evidence, derived from empirical research on swim-with-cetacean tourism, that this kind of interaction affects cetacean behaviour and can lead to negative effects on the cetaceans involved. This study represents the first assessment of humpback whales’ behavioural responses to vessel and swimmer approaches in Vava’u. Fifty-six surveys took place during the 2016 and 2017 whale breeding seasons aboard dedicated research and tour vessels. Whale dive time, number of reorientation events, and respiration rates were documented in both the absence and presence of boats and swimmers. Vessel approach type, swimmer placement, and whale avoidance responses were also recorded. Results indicate that the average diving time and the proportion of time spent diving in the presence of swimming activities increased significantly for mother-calf pairs (F2,36 = 18.183, P < 0.001; F2,36 = 5.462, P = 0.009, respectively). Moreover, avoidance responses of whales towards tour vessels were observed for one third of vessel approaches (33.5%) and the avoidance rate was significantly affected by the boat approach type (95% CI: 20.7–69.2%, z = 3.50, P < 0.001). Finally, low levels of compliance to the existing Tongan swim-with-whales regulations were documented, in particular the stipulated whale resting time between interactions with tour operator vessels and swimmers was often not respected (38.4%). Vava’u is an important calving ground for the Oceania humpback whale population and these findings should be carefully considered by stakeholders in Tonga and at other locations where swim-with-whales opportunities are being undertaken. Effective strategies to reduce the risk of detrimental effects on the whales targeted by swimming activities, especially mother-calf pairs, are needed.
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27
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Martin SB, Barclay DR. Determining the dependence of marine pile driving sound levels on strike energy, pile penetration, and propagation effects using a linear mixed model based on damped cylindrical spreading. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 146:109. [PMID: 31370579 DOI: 10.1121/1.5114797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic recordings were made during the installation of four offshore wind turbines at the Block Island Wind Farm, Rhode Island, USA. The turbine foundations have four legs inclined inward in a pyramidal configuration. Four bottom mounted acoustic recorders measured received sound levels at distances of 541-9067 m during 24 pile driving events. Linear mixed models based on damped cylindrical spreading were used to analyze the data. The model's random effects coefficients represented useful information about variability in the acoustic propagation conditions. The received sound levels were dependent on the angle between pile and seabed, strike energy, and pile penetration (PP). Deeper PPs increased sound levels in a frequency dependent manner. The estimated area around the piles where auditory injury and disturbance to marine life could occur were not circular and changed by up to an order of magnitude between the lowest and highest sound level cases. The study extends earlier results showing a linear relationship between the peak sound pressure level and per-strike sound exposure level. Recommendations are made for how to collect and analyze pile driving data. The results will inform regulatory mitigations of the effects of pile driving sound on marine life, and contribute to developing improved pile driving source models.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bruce Martin
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - David R Barclay
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
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28
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Graham IM, Merchant ND, Farcas A, Barton TR, Cheney B, Bono S, Thompson PM. Harbour porpoise responses to pile-driving diminish over time. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190335. [PMID: 31312495 PMCID: PMC6599776 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Estimating impacts of offshore windfarm construction on marine mammals requires data on displacement in relation to different noise levels and sources. Using echolocation detectors and noise recorders, we investigated harbour porpoise behavioural responses to piling noise during the 10-month foundation installation of a North Sea windfarm. Current UK guidance assumes total displacement within 26 km of pile driving. By contrast, we recorded a 50% probability of response within 7.4 km (95% CI = 5.7-9.4) at the first location piled, decreasing to 1.3 km (95% CI = 0.2-2.8) by the final location; representing 28% (95% CI = 21-35) and 18% (95% CI = 13-23) displacement of individuals within 26 km. Distance proved as good a predictor of responses as audiogram-weighted received levels, presenting a more practicable variable for environmental assessments. Critically, acoustic deterrent device (ADD) use and vessel activity increased response levels. Policy and management to minimize impacts of renewables on cetaceans have concentrated on pile-driving noise. Our results highlight the need to consider trade-offs between efforts to reduce far-field behavioural disturbance and near-field injury through ADD use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isla M. Graham
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
| | - Nathan D. Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Adrian Farcas
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Tim R. Barton
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
| | - Barbara Cheney
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
| | - Saliza Bono
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
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Stöber U, Thomsen F. Effect of impact pile driving noise on marine mammals: A comparison of different noise exposure criteria. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 145:3252. [PMID: 31153340 DOI: 10.1121/1.5109387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Regulators in Europe and in the United States have developed sound exposure criteria. Criteria range from broadband levels to frequency weighted received sound levels. The associated differences in impact assessment results are, however, not yet understood. This uncertainty makes environmental management of transboundary anthropogenic noise challenging and causes confusion for regulators who need to choose appropriate exposure criteria. In the present study, three established exposure criteria frameworks from Germany, Denmark, and the US were used to analyse the effect of impact pile driving at a location in the Baltic Sea on harbor porpoise and harbor seal hearing. The acoustic modeling using MIKE showed that an unmitigated scenario would lead to auditory injury for all three criteria. Despite readily apparent variances in impact ranges among the applied approaches, it was also evident that noise mitigation measures could reduce underwater sound to levels where auditory injuries would be unlikely in most cases. It was concluded that each of the frameworks has its own advantages and disadvantages. Single noise exposure criteria follow the precautionary principle and can be enforced relatively easily, whereas criteria that consider hearing capabilities and animal response movement can improve the accuracy of the assessment if data are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Stöber
- DHI WASY GmbH, Volmerstraße 8, 12489 Berlin, Germany
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30
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Wisniewska DM, Johnson M, Teilmann J, Siebert U, Galatius A, Dietz R, Madsen PT. High rates of vessel noise disrupt foraging in wild harbour porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena). Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:rspb.2017.2314. [PMID: 29445018 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.2314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Shipping is the dominant marine anthropogenic noise source in the world's oceans, yet we know little about vessel encounter rates, exposure levels and behavioural reactions for cetaceans in the wild, many of which rely on sound for foraging, communication and social interactions. Here, we used animal-borne acoustic tags to measure vessel noise exposure and foraging efforts in seven harbour porpoises in highly trafficked coastal waters. Tagged porpoises encountered vessel noise 17-89% of the time and occasional high-noise levels coincided with vigorous fluking, bottom diving, interrupted foraging and even cessation of echolocation, leading to significantly fewer prey capture attempts at received levels greater than 96 dB re 1 µPa (16 kHz third-octave). If such exposures occur frequently, porpoises, which have high metabolic requirements, may be unable to compensate energetically with negative long-term fitness consequences. That shipping noise disrupts foraging in the high-frequency-hearing porpoise raises concerns that other toothed whale species may also be affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Maria Wisniewska
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark .,Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
| | - Mark Johnson
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buesum, Germany
| | - Anders Galatius
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Teglberg Madsen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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31
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Ladegaard M, Madsen PT. Context-dependent biosonar adjustments during active target approaches in echolocating harbour porpoises. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb.206169. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.206169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Echolocating mammals generally target individual prey items by transitioning through the biosonar phases of search (slow-rate, high-amplitude outputs), approach (gradually increasing rate and decreasing output amplitude) and buzzing (high-rate, low-amplitude outputs). The range to the main target of interest is often considered the key or sole driver of such biosonar adjustments of acoustic gaze. However, the actively-generated auditory scene of an echolocator is invariably comprised of a large number of other reflectors and noise sources that likely also impact the biosonar strategies and source parameters implemented by an echolocating animal in time and space. In toothed whales the importance of context on biosonar adjustments is largely unknown. To address this, we trained two harbour porpoises to actively approach the same sound recording target over the same approach distance in two highly different environments; a PVC-lined pool and a semi-natural net pen in a harbour, while blind-folded and wearing a sound recording tag (DTAG-4). We show that the approaching porpoises used considerably shorter interclick intervals (ICI) in the pool than in the net pen, except during the buzz phase where slightly longer ICIs were used in the pool. We further show that average click source levels were 4-7 dB higher in the net pen. Because of the very low-level in-band ambient noise in both environments, we posit that the porpoises adapted their echolocation strategy to the different reverberation levels between the two settings. We demonstrate that harbour porpoises use different echolocation strategies and biosonar parameters in two different environments for solving an otherwise identical target approach task and thus highlight that biosonar adjustments are both range and context-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ladegaard
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Teglberg Madsen
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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32
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Leunissen EM, Dawson SM. Underwater noise levels of pile-driving in a New Zealand harbour, and the potential impacts on endangered Hector's dolphins. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:195-204. [PMID: 30301031 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Impact pile-driving generates loud underwater anthropogenic sounds, and is routinely conducted in harbours around the world. Surprisingly few studies of these sounds and their propagation are published in the primary literature. To partially redress this we studied pile-driving sounds in Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand, during wharf reconstruction after earthquake damage. That Lyttelton harbour is routinely used by Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori), an endangered species found only in New Zealand, provided further context for this study. Steel piles of 0.61 or 0.71 m diameter were driven using three different pile-drivers. Maximum calculated source SEL was 192 dB re 1 μPa2s @ 1 m (SPL0-p of 213 dB re 1 μPa @ 1 m). Propagation of piling noise was strongly influenced by harbour bathymetry and a rock breakwater near the piling operation. We calculated range estimates at which Hector's dolphins may suffer temporary hearing threshold shift and behavioural change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Leunissen
- Marine Science Department, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Stephen M Dawson
- Marine Science Department, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Clausen KT, Tougaard J, Carstensen J, Delefosse M, Teilmann J. Noise affects porpoise click detections – the magnitude of the effect depends on logger type and detection filter settings. BIOACOUSTICS 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2018.1477071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Tubbert Clausen
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jakob Tougaard
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jacob Carstensen
- Applied Marine Ecology and Modelling, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | | | - Jonas Teilmann
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
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34
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Faulkner RC, Farcas A, Merchant ND. Guiding principles for assessing the impact of underwater noise. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian Farcas
- Noise & Bioacoustics Team Cefas Lowestoft Suffolk UK
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35
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Erbe C, Dunlop R, Dolman S. Effects of Noise on Marine Mammals. EFFECTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE ON ANIMALS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8574-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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36
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van Beest FM, Teilmann J, Hermannsen L, Galatius A, Mikkelsen L, Sveegaard S, Balle JD, Dietz R, Nabe-Nielsen J. Fine-scale movement responses of free-ranging harbour porpoises to capture, tagging and short-term noise pulses from a single airgun. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:170110. [PMID: 29410789 PMCID: PMC5792866 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on the behavioural responses of cetaceans is constrained by lack of data on fine-scale movements of individuals. We equipped five free-ranging harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) with high-resolution location and dive loggers and exposed them to a single 10 inch3 underwater airgun producing high-intensity noise pulses (2-3 s intervals) for 1 min. All five porpoises responded to capture and tagging with longer, faster and more directed movements as well as with shorter, shallower, less wiggly dives immediately after release, with natural behaviour resumed in less than or equal to 24 h. When we exposed porpoises to airgun pulses at ranges of 420-690 m with noise level estimates of 135-147 dB re 1 µPa2s (sound exposure level), one individual displayed rapid and directed movements away from the exposure site and two individuals used shorter and shallower dives compared to natural behaviour immediately after exposure. Noise-induced movement typically lasted for less than or equal to 8 h with an additional 24 h recovery period until natural behaviour was resumed. The remaining individuals did not show any quantifiable responses to the noise exposure. Changes in natural behaviour following anthropogenic disturbances may reduce feeding opportunities, and evaluating potential population-level consequences should be a priority research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris M. van Beest
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
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37
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Martin SB, Matthews MNR, MacDonnell JT, Bröker K. Characteristics of seismic survey pulses and the ambient soundscape in Baffin Bay and Melville Bay, West Greenland. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 142:3331. [PMID: 29289080 DOI: 10.1121/1.5014049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2012 a seismic survey campaign involving four vessels was conducted in Baffin Bay, West Greenland. Long-distance (150 km) pre-survey acoustic modeling was performed in accordance with regulatory requirements. Four acoustic recorders, three with hydrophones at 100, 200, and 400 m depths, measured ambient and anthropogenic sound during the survey. Additional recordings without the surveys were made from September 2013 to September 2014. The results show that (1) the soundscape of Baffin Bay is typical for open ocean environments and Melville Bay's soundscape is dominated by glacial ice noise; (2) there are distinct multipath arrivals of seismic pulses 40 km from the array; (3) seismic sound levels vary little as a function of depth; (4) high fidelity pre-survey acoustic propagation modeling produced reliable results; (5) the daily SEL did not exceed regulatory thresholds and were different using Southall, Bowles, Ellison, Finneran, Gentry, Greene, Kastak, Ketten, Miller, Nachtigall, Richardson, Thomas, and Tyack [(2007) Aquat. Mamm. 33, 411-521] or NOAA weightings [National Marine Fisheries Service (2016). NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-55, p. 178]; (6) fluctuations of SPL with range were better described by additive models than linear regression; and (7) the survey increased the 1-min SPL by 28 dB, with most of the energy below 100 Hz; energy in the 16 000 Hz octave band was 20 dB above the ambient background 6 km from the source.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bruce Martin
- JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd., 32 Troop Avenue, Suite 202, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1Z1, Canada
| | - Marie-Noël R Matthews
- JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd., 32 Troop Avenue, Suite 202, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1Z1, Canada
| | - Jeff T MacDonnell
- JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd., 32 Troop Avenue, Suite 202, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1Z1, Canada
| | - Koen Bröker
- Shell Global Solutions International B.V., Lange Kleiweg 40, 2288GK Rijswijk, The Netherlands
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38
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Tougaard J, Dähne M. Why is auditory frequency weighting so important in regulation of underwater noise? THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 142:EL415. [PMID: 29092598 DOI: 10.1121/1.5008901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A key question related to regulating noise from pile driving, air guns, and sonars is how to take into account the hearing abilities of different animals by means of auditory frequency weighting. Recordings of pile driving sounds, both in the presence and absence of a bubble curtain, were evaluated against recent thresholds for temporary threshold shift (TTS) for harbor porpoises by means of four different weighting functions. The assessed effectivity, expressed as time until TTS, depended strongly on choice of weighting function: 2 orders of magnitude larger for an audiogram-weighted TTS criterion relative to an unweighted criterion, highlighting the importance of selecting the right frequency weighting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Tougaard
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Michael Dähne
- German Oceanographic Museum, Katharinenberg 14-20, 18439 Stralsund, Germany
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39
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Kastelein RA, Helder-Hoek L, Van de Voorde S, von Benda-Beckmann AM, Lam FPA, Jansen E, de Jong CAF, Ainslie MA. Temporary hearing threshold shift in a harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) after exposure to multiple airgun sounds. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 142:2430. [PMID: 29092610 DOI: 10.1121/1.5007720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In seismic surveys, reflected sounds from airguns are used under water to detect gas and oil below the sea floor. The airguns produce broadband high-amplitude impulsive sounds, which may cause temporary or permanent threshold shifts (TTS or PTS) in cetaceans. The magnitude of the threshold shifts and the hearing frequencies at which they occur depend on factors such as the received cumulative sound exposure level (SELcum), the number of exposures, and the frequency content of the sounds. To quantify TTS caused by airgun exposure and the subsequent hearing recovery, the hearing of a harbor porpoise was tested by means of a psychophysical technique. TTS was observed after exposure to 10 and 20 consecutive shots fired from two airguns simultaneously (SELcum: 188 and 191 dB re 1 μPa2s) with mean shot intervals of around 17 s. Although most of the airgun sounds' energy was below 1 kHz, statistically significant initial TTS1-4 (1-4 min after sound exposure stopped) of ∼4.4 dB occurred only at the hearing frequency 4 kHz, and not at lower hearing frequencies tested (0.5, 1, and 2 kHz). Recovery occurred within 12 min post-exposure. The study indicates that frequency-weighted SELcum is a good predictor for the low levels of TTS observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A Kastelein
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Lean Helder-Hoek
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Shirley Van de Voorde
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frans-Peter A Lam
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Jansen
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Christ A F de Jong
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A Ainslie
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
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40
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Mikkelsen L, Hermannsen L, Beedholm K, Madsen PT, Tougaard J. Simulated seal scarer sounds scare porpoises, but not seals: species-specific responses to 12 kHz deterrence sounds. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170286. [PMID: 28791155 PMCID: PMC5541550 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic harassment devices (AHD) or 'seal scarers' are used extensively, not only to deter seals from fisheries, but also as mitigation tools to deter marine mammals from potentially harmful sound sources, such as offshore pile driving. To test the effectiveness of AHDs, we conducted two studies with similar experimental set-ups on two key species: harbour porpoises and harbour seals. We exposed animals to 500 ms tone bursts at 12 kHz simulating that of an AHD (Lofitech), but with reduced output levels (source peak-to-peak level of 165 dB re 1 µPa). Animals were localized with a theodolite before, during and after sound exposures. In total, 12 sound exposures were conducted to porpoises and 13 exposures to seals. Porpoises were found to exhibit avoidance reactions out to ranges of 525 m from the sound source. Contrary to this, seal observations increased during sound exposure within 100 m of the loudspeaker. We thereby demonstrate that porpoises and seals respond very differently to AHD sounds. This has important implications for application of AHDs in multi-species habitats, as sound levels required to deter less sensitive species (seals) can lead to excessive and unwanted large deterrence ranges on more sensitive species (porpoises).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Line Hermannsen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Kristian Beedholm
- Zoophysiology, Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jakob Tougaard
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
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41
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Making Marine Noise Pollution Impacts Heard: The Case of Cetaceans in the North Sea within Life Cycle Impact Assessment. SUSTAINABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/su9071138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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42
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Graham IM, Pirotta E, Merchant ND, Farcas A, Barton TR, Cheney B, Hastie GD, Thompson PM. Responses of bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises to impact and vibration piling noise during harbor construction. Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isla M. Graham
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
| | - Enrico Pirotta
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
| | - Nathan D. Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas); Pakefield Road Lowestoft NR33 0HT UK
| | - Adrian Farcas
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas); Pakefield Road Lowestoft NR33 0HT UK
| | - Tim R. Barton
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
| | - Barbara Cheney
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
| | - Gordon D. Hastie
- Sea Mammal Research Unit; Scottish Oceans Institute; University of St Andrews; St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
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43
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Gomez C, Lawson J, Kouwenberg AL, Moors-Murphy H, Buren A, Fuentes-Yaco C, Marotte E, Wiersma YF, Wimmer T. Predicted distribution of whales at risk: identifying priority areas to enhance cetacean monitoring in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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44
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Forney KA, Southall BL, Slooten E, Dawson S, Read AJ, Baird RW, Brownell RL. Nowhere to go: noise impact assessments for marine mammal populations with high site fidelity. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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45
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Jones EL, Hastie GD, Smout S, Onoufriou J, Merchant ND, Brookes KL, Thompson D. Seals and shipping: quantifying population risk and individual exposure to vessel noise. J Appl Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esther L. Jones
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling; The Observatory; Buchanan Gardens; University of St Andrews; St Andrews KY16 9LZ UK
- Sea Mammal Research Unit; Scottish Oceans Institute; University of St Andrews; St Andrews KY16 8LB UK
| | - Gordon D. Hastie
- Sea Mammal Research Unit; Scottish Oceans Institute; University of St Andrews; St Andrews KY16 8LB UK
| | - Sophie Smout
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling; The Observatory; Buchanan Gardens; University of St Andrews; St Andrews KY16 9LZ UK
- Sea Mammal Research Unit; Scottish Oceans Institute; University of St Andrews; St Andrews KY16 8LB UK
| | - Joseph Onoufriou
- Sea Mammal Research Unit; Scottish Oceans Institute; University of St Andrews; St Andrews KY16 8LB UK
| | - Nathan D. Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science; Lowestoft Suffolk NR33 0HT UK
| | - Kate L. Brookes
- Marine Scotland Science; 375 Victoria Road Aberdeen AB11 9DB UK
| | - David Thompson
- Sea Mammal Research Unit; Scottish Oceans Institute; University of St Andrews; St Andrews KY16 8LB UK
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46
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Houser DS, Yost W, Burkard R, Finneran JJ, Reichmuth C, Mulsow J. A review of the history, development and application of auditory weighting functions in humans and marine mammals. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 141:1371. [PMID: 28372133 DOI: 10.1121/1.4976086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This document reviews the history, development, and use of auditory weighting functions for noise impact assessment in humans and marine mammals. Advances from the modern era of electroacoustics, psychophysical studies of loudness, and other related hearing studies are reviewed with respect to the development and application of human auditory weighting functions, particularly A-weighting. The use of auditory weighting functions to assess the effects of environmental noise on humans-such as hearing damage-risk criteria-are presented, as well as lower-level effects such as annoyance and masking. The article also reviews marine mammal auditory weighting functions, the development of which has been fundamentally directed by the objective of predicting and preventing noise-induced hearing loss. Compared to the development of human auditory weighting functions, the development of marine mammal auditory weighting functions have faced additional challenges, including a large number of species that must be considered, a lack of audiometric information on most species, and small sample sizes for nearly all species for which auditory data are available. The review concludes with research recommendations to address data gaps and assumptions underlying marine mammal auditory weighting function design and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorian S Houser
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92106, USA
| | - William Yost
- Speech and Hearing Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
| | - Robert Burkard
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, 510 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, New York 14214, USA
| | - James J Finneran
- United States Navy Marine Mammal Program, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, Code 71510, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego, California 92152, USA
| | - Colleen Reichmuth
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA
| | - Jason Mulsow
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92106, USA
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Gomez C, Lawson J, Wright A, Buren A, Tollit D, Lesage V. A systematic review on the behavioural responses of wild marine mammals to noise: the disparity between science and policy. CAN J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2016-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Noise can cause marine mammals to interrupt their feeding, alter their vocalizations, or leave important habitat, among other behavioural responses. The current North American paradigm for regulating activities that may result in behavioural responses identifies received levels (RL) of sound at which individuals are predicted to display significant behavioural responses (often termed harassment). The recurrent conclusion about the need for considering context of exposure, in addition to RL, when assessing probability and severity of behavioural responses led us to conduct a systematic literature review (370 papers) and analysis (79 studies, 195 data cases). The review summarized the critical and complex role of context of exposure. The analysis emphasized that behavioural responses in cetaceans (measured via a linear severity scale) were best explained by the interaction between sound source type (continuous, sonar, or seismic/explosion) and functional hearing group (a proxy for hearing capabilities). Importantly, more severe behavioural responses were not consistently associated with higher RL and vice versa. This indicates that monitoring and regulation of acoustic effects from activities on cetacean behaviour should not exclusively rely upon generic multispecies RL thresholds. We recommend replacing the behavioural response severity score with a response/no response dichotomous approach that can represent a measure of impact in terms of habitat loss and degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Gomez
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Mammal Section, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1, Canada
| | - J.W. Lawson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Mammal Section, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1, Canada
| | - A.J. Wright
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - A.D. Buren
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Mammal Section, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1, Canada
| | - D. Tollit
- SMRU Consulting North America, 510-1529 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1R1, Canada
| | - V. Lesage
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada
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Ruser A, Dähne M, van Neer A, Lucke K, Sundermeyer J, Siebert U, Houser DS, Finneran JJ, Everaarts E, Meerbeek J, Dietz R, Sveegaard S, Teilmann J. Assessing auditory evoked potentials of wild harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2016; 140:442. [PMID: 27475168 DOI: 10.1121/1.4955306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Testing the hearing abilities of marine mammals under water is a challenging task. Sample sizes are usually low, thus limiting the ability to generalize findings of susceptibility towards noise influences. A method to measure harbor porpoise hearing thresholds in situ in outdoor conditions using auditory steady state responses of the brainstem was developed and tested. The method was used on 15 live-stranded animals from the North Sea during rehabilitation, shortly before release into the wild, and on 12 wild animals incidentally caught in pound nets in Denmark (inner Danish waters). Results indicated that although the variability between individuals is wide, the shape of the hearing curve is generally similar to previously published results from behavioral trials. Using 10-kHz frequency intervals between 10 and 160 kHz, best hearing was found between 120 and 130 kHz. Additional testing using one-third octave frequency intervals (from 16 to 160 kHz) allowed for a much faster hearing assessment, but eliminated the fine scale threshold characteristics. For further investigations, the method will be used to better understand the factors influencing sensitivity differences across individuals and to establish population-level parameters describing hearing abilities of harbor porpoises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ruser
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, SH, Germany
| | - Michael Dähne
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, SH, Germany
| | - Abbo van Neer
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, SH, Germany
| | - Klaus Lucke
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, SH, Germany
| | - Janne Sundermeyer
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, SH, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, SH, Germany
| | - Dorian S Houser
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, California 92106, USA
| | - James J Finneran
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, California 92152, USA
| | | | | | - Rune Dietz
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Signe Sveegaard
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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Veirs S, Veirs V, Wood JD. Ship noise extends to frequencies used for echolocation by endangered killer whales. PeerJ 2016; 4:e1657. [PMID: 27004149 PMCID: PMC4800784 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Combining calibrated hydrophone measurements with vessel location data from the Automatic Identification System, we estimate underwater sound pressure levels for 1,582 unique ships that transited the core critical habitat of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales during 28 months between March, 2011, and October, 2013. Median received spectrum levels of noise from 2,809 isolated transits are elevated relative to median background levels not only at low frequencies (20-30 dB re 1 µPa(2)/Hz from 100 to 1,000 Hz), but also at high frequencies (5-13 dB from 10,000 to 96,000 Hz). Thus, noise received from ships at ranges less than 3 km extends to frequencies used by odontocetes. Broadband received levels (11.5-40,000 Hz) near the shoreline in Haro Strait (WA, USA) for the entire ship population were 110 ± 7 dB re 1 µPa on average. Assuming near-spherical spreading based on a transmission loss experiment we compute mean broadband source levels for the ship population of 173 ± 7 dB re 1 µPa 1 m without accounting for frequency-dependent absorption. Mean ship speed was 7.3 ± 2.0 m/s (14.1 ± 3.9 knots). Most ship classes show a linear relationship between source level and speed with a slope near +2 dB per m/s (+1 dB/knot). Spectrum, 1/12-octave, and 1/3-octave source levels for the whole population have median values that are comparable to previous measurements and models at most frequencies, but for select studies may be relatively low below 200 Hz and high above 20,000 Hz. Median source spectrum levels peak near 50 Hz for all 12 ship classes, have a maximum of 159 dB re 1 µPa(2)/Hz @ 1 m for container ships, and vary between classes. Below 200 Hz, the class-specific median spectrum levels bifurcate with large commercial ships grouping as higher power noise sources. Within all ship classes spectrum levels vary more at low frequencies than at high frequencies, and the degree of variability is almost halved for classes that have smaller speed standard deviations. This is the first study to present source spectra for populations of different ship classes operating in coastal habitats, including at higher frequencies used by killer whales for both communication and echolocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Veirs
- Beam Reach Marine Science and Sustainability School, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Val Veirs
- Department of Physics, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
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