1
|
Elemans CPH, Jiang W, Jensen MH, Pichler H, Mussman BR, Nattestad J, Wahlberg M, Zheng X, Xue Q, Fitch WT. Evolutionary novelties underlie sound production in baleen whales. Nature 2024; 627:123-129. [PMID: 38383781 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07080-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Baleen whales (mysticetes) use vocalizations to mediate their complex social and reproductive behaviours in vast, opaque marine environments1. Adapting to an obligate aquatic lifestyle demanded fundamental physiological changes to efficiently produce sound, including laryngeal specializations2-4. Whereas toothed whales (odontocetes) evolved a nasal vocal organ5, mysticetes have been thought to use the larynx for sound production1,6-8. However, there has been no direct demonstration that the mysticete larynx can phonate, or if it does, how it produces the great diversity of mysticete sounds9. Here we combine experiments on the excised larynx of three mysticete species with detailed anatomy and computational models to show that mysticetes evolved unique laryngeal structures for sound production. These structures allow some of the largest animals that ever lived to efficiently produce frequency-modulated, low-frequency calls. Furthermore, we show that this phonation mechanism is likely to be ancestral to all mysticetes and shares its fundamental physical basis with most terrestrial mammals, including humans10, birds11, and their closest relatives, odontocetes5. However, these laryngeal structures set insurmountable physiological limits to the frequency range and depth of their vocalizations, preventing them from escaping anthropogenic vessel noise12,13 and communicating at great depths14, thereby greatly reducing their active communication range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Coen P H Elemans
- Sound Communication and Behaviour Group, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Weili Jiang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Mikkel H Jensen
- Sound Communication and Behaviour Group, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Helena Pichler
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bo R Mussman
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacob Nattestad
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Magnus Wahlberg
- Sound Communication and Behaviour Group, Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Xudong Zheng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Qian Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - W Tecumseh Fitch
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Barlow DR, Klinck H, Ponirakis D, Branch TA, Torres LG. Environmental conditions and marine heatwaves influence blue whale foraging and reproductive effort. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9770. [PMID: 36861024 PMCID: PMC9968652 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal behavior is motivated by the fundamental need to feed and reproduce, and these behaviors can be inferred from spatiotemporal variations in biological signals such as vocalizations. Yet, linking foraging and reproductive effort to environmental drivers can be challenging for wide-ranging predator species. Blue whales are acoustically active marine predators that produce two distinct vocalizations: song and D calls. We examined environmental correlates of these vocalizations using continuous recordings from five hydrophones in the South Taranaki Bight region of Aotearoa New Zealand to investigate call behavior relative to ocean conditions and infer life history patterns. D calls were strongly correlated with oceanographic drivers of upwelling in spring and summer, indicating associations with foraging effort. In contrast, song displayed a highly seasonal pattern with peak intensity in fall, which aligned with the timing of conception inferred from whaling records. Finally, during a marine heatwave, reduced foraging (inferred from D calls) was followed by lower reproductive effort (inferred from song intensity).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn R. Barlow
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Marine Mammal InstituteOregon State UniversityNewportOregonUSA
| | - Holger Klinck
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation BioacousticsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA,Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Marine Mammal InstituteOregon State UniversityNewportOregonUSA
| | - Dimitri Ponirakis
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation BioacousticsCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Trevor A. Branch
- School of Aquatic and Fisheries SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Leigh G. Torres
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Marine Mammal InstituteOregon State UniversityNewportOregonUSA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Booth CG, Guilpin M, Darias-O’Hara AK, Ransijn JM, Ryder M, Rosen D, Pirotta E, Smout S, McHuron EA, Nabe-Nielsen J, Costa DP. Estimating energetic intake for marine mammal bioenergetic models. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 11:coac083. [PMID: 36756464 PMCID: PMC9900471 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bioenergetics is the study of how animals achieve energetic balance. Energetic balance results from the energetic expenditure of an individual and the energy they extract from their environment. Ingested energy depends on several extrinsic (e.g prey species, nutritional value and composition, prey density and availability) and intrinsic factors (e.g. foraging effort, success at catching prey, digestive processes and associated energy losses, and digestive capacity). While the focus in bioenergetic modelling is often on the energetic costs an animal incurs, the robust estimation of an individual's energy intake is equally critical for producing meaningful predictions. Here, we review the components and processes that affect energy intake from ingested gross energy to biologically useful net energy (NE). The current state of knowledge of each parameter is reviewed, shedding light on research gaps to advance this field. The review highlighted that the foraging behaviour of many marine mammals is relatively well studied via biologging tags, with estimates of success rate typically assumed for most species. However, actual prey capture success rates are often only assumed, although we note studies that provide approaches for its estimation using current techniques. A comprehensive collation of the nutritional content of marine mammal prey species revealed a robust foundation from which prey quality (comprising prey species, size and energy density) can be assessed, though data remain unavailable for many prey species. Empirical information on various energy losses following ingestion of prey was unbalanced among marine mammal species, with considerably more literature available for pinnipeds. An increased understanding and accurate estimate of each of the components that comprise a species NE intake are an integral part of bioenergetics. Such models provide a key tool to investigate the effects of disturbance on marine mammals at an individual and population level and to support effective conservation and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cormac G Booth
- Corresponding author: SMRU Consulting, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, East Sands, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK.
| | | | - Aimee-Kate Darias-O’Hara
- SMRU Consulting, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, East Sands, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Janneke M Ransijn
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, East Sands, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Megan Ryder
- SMRU Consulting, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, East Sands, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Dave Rosen
- Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall,
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Enrico Pirotta
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling,
The Observatory, Buchanan
Gardens, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews,
KY16 9LZ, UK
| | - Sophie Smout
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, East Sands, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, KY16 8LB, UK
| | - Elizabeth A McHuron
- Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies, University of Washington, 3737 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Jacob Nabe-Nielsen
- Marine Mammal Research, Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, DK-4000
Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Daniel P Costa
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, University of California Santa Cruz, 130
McAlister Way, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barlow DR, Klinck H, Ponirakis D, Holt Colberg M, Torres LG. Temporal occurrence of three blue whale populations in New Zealand waters from passive acoustic monitoring. J Mammal 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyac106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Describing spatial and temporal occurrence patterns of wild animal populations is important for understanding their evolutionary trajectories, population connectivity, and ecological niche specialization, with relevance for effective management. Throughout the world, blue whales produce stereotyped songs that enable identification of separate acoustic populations. We harnessed continuous acoustic recordings from five hydrophones deployed in the South Taranaki Bight (STB) region of Aotearoa New Zealand from January 2016 to February 2018. We examined hourly presence of songs from three different blue whale populations to investigate their contrasting ecological use of New Zealand waters. The New Zealand song was detected year-round with a seasonal cycle in intensity (peak February–July), demonstrating the importance of the region to the New Zealand population as both a foraging ground and potential breeding area. The Antarctic song was present in two distinct peaks each year (June–July; September–October) and predominantly at the offshore recording locations, suggesting northbound and southbound migration between feeding and wintering grounds. The Australian song was only detected during a 10-day period in January 2017, implying a rare vagrant occurrence. We therefore infer that the STB region is the primary niche of the New Zealand population, a migratory corridor for the Antarctic population, and outside the typical range of the Australian population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn R Barlow
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University , Newport, Oregon 97365 , USA
| | - Holger Klinck
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14850 , USA
- Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University , Newport, Oregon 97365 , USA
| | - Dimitri Ponirakis
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14850 , USA
| | - Mattea Holt Colberg
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University , Newport, Oregon 97365 , USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331 , USA
| | - Leigh G Torres
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University , Newport, Oregon 97365 , USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
King SL, Jensen FH. Rise of the machines: Integrating technology with playback experiments to study cetacean social cognition in the wild. Methods Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. King
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol BS8 1TQ Bristol United Kingdom
| | - Frants H. Jensen
- Biology department, Syracuse University 107 College Place 13244 Syracuse NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Casey CB, Weindorf S, Levy E, Linsky JMJ, Cade DE, Goldbogen JA, Nowacek DP, Friedlaender AS. Acoustic signalling and behaviour of Antarctic minke whales ( Balaenoptera bonaerensis). ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:211557. [PMID: 35911199 PMCID: PMC9326272 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic signalling is the predominant form of communication among cetaceans. Understanding the behavioural state of calling individuals can provide insights into the specific function of sound production; in turn, this information can aid the evaluation of passive monitoring datasets to estimate species presence, density, and behaviour. Antarctic minke whales are the most numerous baleen whale species in the Southern Ocean. However, our knowledge of their vocal behaviour is limited. Using, to our knowledge, the first animal-borne audio-video documentation of underwater behaviour in this species, we characterize Antarctic minke whale sound production and evaluate the association between acoustic behaviour, foraging behaviour, diel patterns and the presence of close conspecifics. In addition to the previously described downsweep call, we find evidence of three novel calls not previously described in their vocal repertoire. Overall, these signals displayed peak frequencies between 90 and 175 Hz and ranged from 0.2 to 0.8 s on average (90% duration). Additionally, each of the four call types was associated with measured behavioural and environmental parameters. Our results represent a significant advancement in understanding of the life history of this species and improve our capacity to acoustically monitor minke whales in a rapidly changing Antarctic region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. B. Casey
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - S. Weindorf
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - E. Levy
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - J. M. J. Linsky
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| | - D. E. Cade
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Department of Biology, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - J. A. Goldbogen
- Department of Biology, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - D. P. Nowacek
- Nicholas School of the Environment and Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USA
| | - A. S. Friedlaender
- Institute for Marine Sciences, Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
- Ocean Sciences Department, University of California Santa Cruz, 115 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Barlow DR, Estrada Jorge M, Klinck H, Torres LG. Shaken, not stirred: blue whales show no acoustic response to earthquake events. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220242. [PMID: 35845856 PMCID: PMC9277279 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying how animals respond to disturbance events bears relevance for understanding consequences to population health. We investigate whether blue whales respond acoustically to naturally occurring episodic noise by examining calling before and after earthquakes (27 040 calls, 32 earthquakes; 27 January-29 June 2016). Two vocalization types were evaluated: New Zealand blue whale song and downswept vocalizations ('D calls'). Blue whales did not alter the number of D calls, D call received level or song intensity following earthquakes (paired t-tests, p > 0.7 for all). Linear models accounting for earthquake strength and proximity revealed significant relationships between change in calling activity surrounding earthquakes and prior calling activity (D calls: R 2 = 0.277, p < 0.0001; song: R 2 = 0.080, p = 0.028); however, these same relationships were true for 'null' periods without earthquakes (D calls: R 2 = 0.262, p < 0.0001; song: R 2 = 0.149, p = 0.0002), indicating that the pattern is driven by blue whale calling context regardless of earthquake presence. Our findings that blue whales do not respond to episodic natural noise provide context for interpreting documented acoustic responses to anthropogenic noise sources, including shipping traffic and petroleum development, indicating that they potentially evolved tolerance for natural noise sources but not novel noise from anthropogenic origins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawn R. Barlow
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, and Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, USA
| | - Mateo Estrada Jorge
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, and Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Department of Physics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Holger Klinck
- K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
- Marine Mammal Institute, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, USA
| | - Leigh G. Torres
- Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Lab, Marine Mammal Institute, and Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences, Oregon State University, Newport, Oregon, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Malige F, Patris J, Hauray M, Giraudet P, Glotin H. Mathematical models of long term evolution of blue whale song types' frequencies. J Theor Biol 2022; 548:111184. [PMID: 35697145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The linear decrease in the frequency of blue whale songs around the world is, to date, an unexplained phenomenon. We show it can be reproduced by a mathematical model considering two antagonistic behavioral trends: first, a bias towards conformity in the song, and second, a tendency to try and sing lower than the other whales. We check the robustness of our model by considering some more complex premises. First, different hierarchical relations between the singers are explored, adapting methods used in the flocking motion studies. Then a population-dependant simulation shows that even considering the gradual addition of new whales, the evolution is still globally linear. Finally, we show that intra-annual variations surging from different causes can be naturally incorporated into the model. We then conclude that, unlike other explanations, a cultural hypothesis seems compatible with the observed linearity of the blue whales's songs frequency shift.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franck Malige
- DYNI team, LIS laboratory, Université de Toulon, Campus de La Garde, Bat. X, CS 60584, 83041 Toulon Cedex 9, France.
| | - Julie Patris
- Faculté des sciences, université d'Aix-Marseille, site Montperrin, 6 avenue du Pigonnet, 13090 Aix en Provence, France.
| | - Maxime Hauray
- Institut de mathématiques de Marseille, université d'Aix-Marseille, Technopole Chateau-Gombert, 39 rue F. Joliot Curie, 13453 Marseille Cedex 13, France.
| | - Pascale Giraudet
- DYNI team, LIS laboratory, Université de Toulon, Campus de La Garde, Bat. X, CS 60584, 83041 Toulon Cedex 9, France.
| | - Hervé Glotin
- DYNI team, LIS laboratory, Université de Toulon, Campus de La Garde, Bat. X, CS 60584, 83041 Toulon Cedex 9, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rice A, Širović A, Hildebrand JA, Wood M, Carbaugh-Rutland A, Baumann-Pickering S. Update on frequency decline of Northeast Pacific blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) calls. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266469. [PMID: 35363831 PMCID: PMC8975115 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, the frequency (pitch) of blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) calls has been decreasing since first recorded in the 1960s. This frequency decline occurs over annual and inter-annual timescales and has recently been documented in other baleen whale species, yet it remains unexplained. In the Northeast Pacific, blue whales produce two calls, or units, that, when regularly repeated, are referred to as song: A and B calls. In this population, frequency decline has thus far only been examined in B calls. In this work, passive acoustic data collected in the Southern California Bight from 2006 to 2019 were examined to determine if A calls are also declining in frequency and whether the call pulse rate was similarly impacted. Additionally, frequency measurements were made for B calls to determine whether the rate of frequency decline is the same as was calculated when this phenomenon was first reported in 2009. We found that A calls decreased at a rate of 0.32 Hz yr-1 during this period and that B calls were still decreasing, albeit at a slower rate (0.27 Hz yr-1) than reported previously. The A call pulse rate also declined over the course of the study, at a rate of 0.006 pulses/s yr-1. With this updated information, we consider the various theories that have been proposed to explain frequency decline in blue whales. We conclude that no current theory adequately accounts for all aspects of this phenomenon and consider the role that individual perception of song frequency may play. To understand the cause behind call frequency decline, future studies might want to explore the function of these songs and the mechanism for their synchronization. The ubiquitous nature of the frequency shift phenomenon may indicate a consistent level of vocal plasticity and fine auditory processing abilities across baleen whale species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ally Rice
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ana Širović
- Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - John A. Hildebrand
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Megan Wood
- Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | | | - Simone Baumann-Pickering
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Seasonal Trends and Diel Patterns of Downsweep and SEP Calls in Chilean Blue Whales. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10030316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To learn more about the occurrence and behaviour of a recently discovered population of blue whales, passive acoustic data were collected between January 2012 and April 2013 in the Chiloense ecoregion of southern Chile. Automatic detectors and manual auditing were used to detect blue whale songs (SEP calls) and D calls, which were then analysed to gain insights into temporal calling patterns. We found that D call rates were extremely low during winter (June–August) but gradually increased in spring and summer, decreasing again later during fall. SEP calls were absent for most winter and spring months (July–November) but increased in summer and fall, peaking between March and April. Thus, our results support previous studies documenting the austral summer residency of blue whales in this region, while suggesting that some individuals stay longer, highlighting the importance of this area as a blue whale habitat. We also investigated the daily occurrence of each call type and found that D calls occurred more frequently during dusk and night hours compared to dawn and day periods, whereas SEP calls did not show any significant diel patterns. Overall, these findings help to understand the occurrence and behaviour of endangered Chilean blue whales, enhancing our ability to develop conservation strategies in this important Southern Hemisphere habitat.
Collapse
|
11
|
Wingfield JE, Rubin B, Xu J, Stanistreet JE, Moors-Murphy HB. Annual, seasonal, and diel patterns in blue whale call occurrence off eastern Canada. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2022. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
12
|
Niu F, Xue R, Yang Y, Chen B, Ruan H, Luo K. Baseline assessment of ocean ambient noise in the western Clarion Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 173:113057. [PMID: 34673428 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ocean noise in the western Clarion Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean was recorded for 5 min every hour during 2017 and 2018, at a depth of 300 m. The monthly and hourly mean spectrum levels in the 20-1000 Hz band were calculated, along with their skewness, kurtosis, percentile distributions, and spectral probability densities. The high noise levels at low frequencies generated from distant shipping and vocalizations of whales were found to range between 70 and 100 dB (<100 Hz) and 64-93 dB (100-200 Hz), respectively. The noise levels at high frequencies (>200 Hz), which are typically dominated by wind, were found to be low, ranging from 53 to 75 dB. At frequencies above 200 Hz, noise levels in winter were approximately 5 dB higher than those in summer, consistent with the seasonal variations in wind speed. Fin whales, blue whales, and fishes also potentially contributed to variations in the baseline of ambient noise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Niu
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Observation and Research Station of Coastal Wetland Ecosystem in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
| | - Ruichao Xue
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yanming Yang
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Benqing Chen
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China; Observation and Research Station of Coastal Wetland Ecosystem in Beibu Gulf, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beihai 536015, China
| | - Hailin Ruan
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Kai Luo
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen 361005, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Carbaugh-Rutland A, Have Rasmussen J, Sterba-Boatwright B, Širović A. Geographically distinct blue whale song variants in the Northeast Pacific. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Northeast Pacific (NEP) population of blue whales Balaenoptera musculus musculus is currently managed as a single stock. We investigated the fine-scale frequency characteristics of 1 NEP blue whale song unit, the B call. We analyzed B calls from passive acoustic data collected between 2010 and 2013 at 2 low-latitude sites, Palmyra Atoll and the Hawaiian Islands, and 3 higher-latitude sites, off southern California, off Washington state and in the Gulf of Alaska. Frequency measurements were extracted along the contour of the third harmonic from each call, and data from each region were compared. Calls from the Gulf of Alaska and Hawai‘i presented a downshift in frequency, beginning just past the midway point of the contour, which was not present in calls recorded from southern California or Palmyra Atoll. Calls from Washington displayed intermediate characteristics between those from the other 2 high-latitude sites. Cluster analysis resulted in consistent grouping of call contours from Washington and southern California, in what we termed the NEP B1 variant, while contours from Hawai‘i and the Gulf of Alaska were grouped together, as a NEP B2 variant. Frequency differences were also observed among the variants; the Gulf of Alaska displayed the highest frequency on average, followed by Washington, then southern California. Consistent with other studies, a yearly decline in the frequency of B calls was also observed. This discovery of at least 2 geographically distinct variants provides the first evidence of vocally distinct subpopulations within the NEP, indicating the possibility of a need for finer-scale population segmentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Carbaugh-Rutland
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
| | - J Have Rasmussen
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
| | - B Sterba-Boatwright
- College of Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - A Širović
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, 200 Seawolf Parkway, Galveston, TX 77554, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ahonen H, Stafford KM, Lydersen C, Berchok CL, Moore SE, Kovacs KM. Interannual variability in acoustic detection of blue and fin whale calls in the Northeast Atlantic High Arctic between 2008 and 2018. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2021. [DOI: 10.3354/esr01132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Northern Hemisphere blue and fin whales are regular summer migrants to Arctic waters. Given the profound changes the Arctic is currently undergoing due to global warming, changes in habitat use and distribution of these migratory species are predicted. In this study, 3 passive acoustic recorders, 2 in Fram Strait about 95 km apart and 1 north of the Svalbard Archipelago (Atwain), were used to investigate the spatial and temporal vocal occurrence of these species in the Northeast Atlantic High Arctic. Acoustic data were available for 7 years for western Fram Strait (WFS), 2.5 years for central Fram Strait (CFS) and 3 years for Atwain. At both Fram Strait locations, most blue whale call detections occurred from August through October, though recently (2015-2018) in WFS a clear increase in blue whale call rates was detected in June/July, suggesting an expansion of the seasonal occurrence of blue whales. In WFS, fin whale calls were detected intermittently, at low levels, almost year-round. In CFS, fin whale calls were more frequent but occurred mainly from July through December. At Atwain, blue whale detections commenced in July, both species were recorded in September/October and fin whale calls extended into November. Results from this study provide novel long-term baseline information about the occurrence of blue and fin whales at extreme northerly locations, where traditional ship-based survey methods are seasonally limited. Continued sampling will support investigation of how environmental change influences cetacean distribution and habitat use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Ahonen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - KM Stafford
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - C Lydersen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - CL Berchok
- Marine Mammal Laboratory, NOAA/AFSC, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - SE Moore
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle WA 98105, USA
| | - KM Kovacs
- Norwegian Polar Institute, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Romagosa M, Pérez-Jorge S, Cascão I, Mouriño H, Lehodey P, Pereira A, Marques TA, Matias L, Silva MA. Food talk: 40-Hz fin whale calls are associated with prey biomass. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211156. [PMID: 34229495 PMCID: PMC8261222 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals use varied acoustic signals that play critical roles in their lives. Understanding the function of these signals may inform about key life-history processes relevant for conservation. In the case of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), that produce different call types associated with different behaviours, several hypotheses have emerged regarding call function, but the topic still remains in its infancy. Here, we investigate the potential function of two fin whale vocalizations, the song-forming 20-Hz call and the 40-Hz call, by examining their production in relation to season, year and prey biomass. Our results showed that the production of 20-Hz calls was strongly influenced by season, with a clear peak during the breeding months, and secondarily by year, likely due to changes in whale abundance. These results support the reproductive function of the 20-Hz song used as an acoustic display. Conversely, season and year had no effect on variation in 40-Hz calling rates, but prey biomass did. This is the first study linking 40-Hz call activity to prey biomass, supporting the previously suggested food-associated function of this call. Understanding the functions of animal signals can help identifying functional habitats and predict the negative effects of human activities with important implications for conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Romagosa
- Okeanos – Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar, Universidade dos Açores & IMAR – Instituto do Mar, Horta, Portugal
| | - Sergi Pérez-Jorge
- Okeanos – Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar, Universidade dos Açores & IMAR – Instituto do Mar, Horta, Portugal
| | - Irma Cascão
- Okeanos – Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar, Universidade dos Açores & IMAR – Instituto do Mar, Horta, Portugal
| | - Helena Mouriño
- Centro de Matemática, Aplicações Fundamentais e Investigação Operacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Patrick Lehodey
- Collecte Localisation Satellite (CLS), Ramonville St Agne, France
| | - Andreia Pereira
- Instituto Dom Luiz (IDL), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago A. Marques
- Centro de Estatística e Aplicações, Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Luís Matias
- Instituto Dom Luiz (IDL), Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica A. Silva
- Okeanos – Instituto de Investigação em Ciências do Mar, Universidade dos Açores & IMAR – Instituto do Mar, Horta, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bouffaut L, Landrø M, Potter JR. Source level and vocalizing depth estimation of two blue whale subspecies in the western Indian Ocean from single sensor observations. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 149:4422. [PMID: 34241450 DOI: 10.1121/10.0005281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The source level (SL) and vocalizing source depth (SD) of individuals from two blue whale (BW) subspecies, an Antarctic blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus intermedia; ABW) and a Madagascar pygmy blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda; MPBW) are estimated from a single bottom-mounted hydrophone in the western Indian Ocean. Stereotyped units (male) are automatically detected and the range is estimated from the time delay between the direct and lowest-order multiply-reflected acoustic paths (multipath-ranging). Allowing for geometric spreading and the Lloyd's mirror effect (range-, depth-, and frequency-dependent) SL and SD are estimated by minimizing the SL variance over a series of units from the same individual over time (and hence also range). The average estimated SL of 188.5 ± 2.1 dB re 1μPa measured between [25-30] Hz for the ABW and 176.8 ± 1.8 dB re. 1μPa measured between [22-27] Hz for the MPBW agree with values published for other geographical areas. Units were vocalized at estimated depths of 25.0 ± 3.7 and 32.7 ± 5.7 m for the ABW Unit A and C and, ≃20 m for the MPBW. The measurements show that these BW calls series are stereotyped in frequency, amplitude, and depth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léa Bouffaut
- Department of Electronic Systems, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin Landrø
- Department of Electronic Systems, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - John R Potter
- Department of Electronic Systems, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rasmussen JH, Širović A. Automatic detection and classification of baleen whale social calls using convolutional neural networks. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 149:3635. [PMID: 34241118 DOI: 10.1121/10.0005047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Passive acoustic monitoring has proven to be an indispensable tool for many aspects of baleen whale research. Manual detection of whale calls on these large data sets demands extensive manual labor. Automated whale call detectors offer a more efficient approach and have been developed for many species and call types. However, calls with a large level of variability such as fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) 40 Hz call and blue whale (B. musculus) D call have been challenging to detect automatically and hence no practical automated detector exists for these two call types. Using a modular approach consisting of faster region-based convolutional neural network followed by a convolutional neural network, we have created automated detectors for 40 Hz calls and D calls. Both detectors were tested on recordings with high- and low density of calls and, when selecting for detections with high classification scores, they were shown to have precision ranging from 54% to 57% with recall ranging from 72% to 78% for 40 Hz and precision ranging from 62% to 64% with recall ranging from 70 to 73% for D calls. As these two call types are produced by both sexes, using them in long-term studies would remove sex-bias in estimates of temporal presence and movement patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeppe Have Rasmussen
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas 77554, USA
| | - Ana Širović
- Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas 77554, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Oestreich WK, Fahlbusch JA, Cade DE, Calambokidis J, Margolina T, Joseph J, Friedlaender AS, McKenna MF, Stimpert AK, Southall BL, Goldbogen JA, Ryan JP. Animal-Borne Metrics Enable Acoustic Detection of Blue Whale Migration. Curr Biol 2020; 30:4773-4779.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.08.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
19
|
Haver SM, Rand Z, Hatch LT, Lipski D, Dziak RP, Gedamke J, Haxel J, Heppell SA, Jahncke J, McKenna MF, Mellinger DK, Oestreich WK, Roche L, Ryan J, Van Parijs SM. Seasonal trends and primary contributors to the low-frequency soundscape of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 148:845. [PMID: 32873009 DOI: 10.1121/10.0001726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Passive acoustic monitoring of ocean soundscapes can provide information on ecosystem status for those tasked with protecting marine resources. In 2015, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established a long-term, continuous, low-frequency (10 Hz-2 kHz) passive acoustic monitoring site in the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (CBNMS), located offshore of the central United States of America (U.S.) west coast, near San Francisco, CA. The California Current flows southward along the coast in this area, supporting a diverse community of marine animals, including several baleen whale species. Acoustic data analysis revealed that both large vessels and vocalizing baleen whales contribute to the ambient soundscape of the CBNMS. Sound levels fluctuated by month with the highest levels in the fall and lowest levels in the summer. Throughout the year, very low-frequency (10-100 Hz) sound levels were most variable. Vessels and whales overlap in their contributions to ambient sound levels within this range, although vessel contributions were more omnipresent, while seasonal peaks were associated with vocalizing whales. This characterization of low-frequency ambient sound levels in the CBNMS establishes initial baselines for an important component of this site's underwater soundscape. Standardized monitoring of soundscapes directly supports NOAA's ability to evaluate and report on conditions within national marine sanctuaries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samara M Haver
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA
| | - Zoe Rand
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA
| | - Leila T Hatch
- Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, 175 Edward Foster Road, Scituate, Massachusetts 02066, USA
| | - Danielle Lipski
- Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, 1 Bear Valley Road, Point Reyes Station, California 94956, USA
| | - Robert P Dziak
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2115 Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon 97365, USA
| | - Jason Gedamke
- Office of Science and Technology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA
| | - Joseph Haxel
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Southeast Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon 97365, USA
| | - Scott A Heppell
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, USA
| | - Jaime Jahncke
- Point Blue Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Drive, Suite Number 11, Petaluma, California 94954, USA
| | - Megan F McKenna
- National Park Service, Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, 1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 100, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525, USA
| | - David K Mellinger
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Southeast Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon 97365, USA
| | - William K Oestreich
- Hopkins Marine Station, Department of Biology, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove, California 93950, USA
| | - Lauren Roche
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and Oregon State University, Hatfield Marine Science Center, 2030 Southeast Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon 97365, USA
| | - John Ryan
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 7700 Sandholdt Road, Moss Landing, California 95039, USA
| | - Sofie M Van Parijs
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Malige F, Patris J, Buchan SJ, Stafford KM, Shabangu F, Findlay K, Hucke-Gaete R, Neira S, Clark CW, Glotin H. Inter-annual decrease in pulse rate and peak frequency of Southeast Pacific blue whale song types. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8121. [PMID: 32415228 PMCID: PMC7229211 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64613-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
A decrease in the frequency of two southeast Pacific blue whale song types was examined over decades, using acoustic data from several different sources in the eastern Pacific Ocean ranging between the Equator and Chilean Patagonia. The pulse rate of the song units as well as their peak frequency were measured using two different methods (summed auto-correlation and Fourier transform). The sources of error associated with each measurement were assessed. There was a linear decline in both parameters for the more common song type (southeast Pacific song type n.2) between 1997 to 2017. An abbreviated analysis, also showed a frequency decline in the scarcer southeast Pacific song type n.1 between 1970 to 2014, revealing that both song types are declining at similar rates. We discussed the use of measuring both pulse rate and peak frequency to examine the frequency decline. Finally, a comparison of the rates of frequency decline with other song types reported in the literature and a discussion on the reasons of the frequency shift are presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franck Malige
- Univ. Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, LIS, DYNI team, SABIOD, Marseille, France.
| | - Julie Patris
- Univ. Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, LIS, DYNI team, SABIOD, Marseille, France
| | - Susannah J Buchan
- COPAS Sur-Austral, Edificio Departamento de Oceanografía Piso 2 Barrio Universitario s/n, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.,Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas, Avenida Ossandón 877, Coquimbo, Región de Coquimbo, Chile.,Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Biology Department, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, 02543, USA
| | - Kathleen M Stafford
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th Street, Box 355640, Seattle, Washington, 98105, USA
| | - Fannie Shabangu
- Fisheries Management, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Private Bag X2, Vlaeberg, Cape Town, 8012, South Africa.,Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Ken Findlay
- Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.,Cape Peninsula University of Technology, P.O. Box 652, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa
| | - Rodrigo Hucke-Gaete
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnologicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Campus Isla Teja, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Sergio Neira
- COPAS Sur-Austral, Edificio Departamento de Oceanografía Piso 2 Barrio Universitario s/n, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Christopher W Clark
- Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14850, USA
| | - Hervé Glotin
- Univ. Toulon, Aix Marseille Univ., CNRS, LIS, DYNI team, SABIOD, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Stimpert AK, Lammers MO, Pack AA, Au WWL. Variations in received levels on a sound and movement tag on a singing humpback whale: Implications for caller identification. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 147:3684. [PMID: 32486778 DOI: 10.1121/10.0001306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bio-logging devices are advancing the understanding of marine animal behavior, but linking sound production and behavior of individual baleen whales is still unreliable. Tag placement potentially within the near field of the sound source creates uncertainty about how tagged animal sounds will register on recorders. This study used data from a tagged singing humpback whale to evaluate this question of how sound levels present on a tag when calls are produced by a tagged animal. Root-mean-square (rms) received levels (RLs) of song units ranged from 112 to 164 dB re 1 μPa rms, with some, but not all, of the lower frequency units registering on the tag's 800 Hz accelerometer sensor. Fifty-nine percent of recorded units measured lower acoustic RLs than previously reported source levels for humpback song, but signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) were 30-45 dB during periods of the dive with low noise. This research highlights that tag RL does not alone predict caller identity, argues for higher SNR thresholds if using SNR to inform decisions about the source of a call, and provides a baseline for future research identifying diagnostic properties of tagged animal calls in cetacean bioacoustic tag datasets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison K Stimpert
- Bioacoustics and Vertebrate Ecology, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, 8272 Moss Landing Road, Moss Landing, California 95039, USA
| | - Marc O Lammers
- Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 726 South Kihei Road, Kihei, Hawaii 96753, USA
| | - Adam A Pack
- Departments of Psychology and Biology and LOHE Bioacoustics Laboratory, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, USA
| | - Whitlow W L Au
- Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Baleen whale acoustic presence and behaviour at a Mid-Atlantic migratory habitat, the Azores Archipelago. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4766. [PMID: 32179826 PMCID: PMC7075977 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61849-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of important areas during the annual life cycle of migratory animals, such as baleen whales, is vital for their conservation. In boreal springtime, fin and blue whales feed in the Azores on their way to northern latitudes while sei whales migrate through the archipelago with only occasional feeding. Little is known about their autumn or winter presence or their acoustic behaviour in temperate migratory habitats. This study used a 5-year acoustic data set collected by autonomous recorders in the Azores that were processed and analysed using an automated call detection and classification system. Fin and blue whales were acoustically present in the archipelago from autumn to spring with marked seasonal differences in the use of different call types. Diel patterns of calling activity were only found for fin whales with more calls during the day than night. Sei whales showed a bimodal distribution of acoustic presence in spring and autumn, corresponding to their expected migration patterns. Diel differences in sei whale calling varied with season and location. This work highlights the importance of the Azores as a migratory and wintering habitat for three species of baleen whales and provides novel information on their acoustic behaviour in a mid-Atlantic region.
Collapse
|
23
|
Menze S, Zitterbart D, Biuw M, Boebel O. Estimating the spatial distribution of vocalizing animals from ambient sound spectra using widely spaced recorder arrays and inverse modelling. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 146:4699. [PMID: 31893742 DOI: 10.1121/1.5139406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The sound energy from marine mammal populations vocalizing over extended periods of time adds up to quasi-continuous "choruses," which create characteristic peaks in marine sound spectra. An approach to estimate animal distribution is presented, which uses chorus recordings from very sparse unsynchronized arrays in ocean areas that are too large or remote to survey with traditional methods. To solve this under-determined inverse problem, simulated annealing is used to estimate the distribution of vocalizing animals on a geodesic grid. This includes calculating a transmission loss (TL) matrix, which connects all grid nodes and recorders. Geometrical spreading and the ray trace model BELLHOP [Porter (1987). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 82(4), 1349-1359] were implemented. The robustness of the proposed method was tested with simulated marine mammal distributions in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean using both drifting acoustic recorders [Argo (2018). SEANOE] and a moored array as acoustic receivers. The results show that inversion accuracy mainly depends on the number and location of the recorders, and can be predicted using the entropy and range of the estimated source distributions. Tests with different TL models indicated that inversion accuracy is affected only slightly by inevitable inaccuracies in TL models. The presented method could also be applied to bird, crustacean, and insect choruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Menze
- Oceanography and Climate Group, Institute of Marine Research, P. O. Box 1870, Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
| | - Daniel Zitterbart
- Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 266 Woods Hole Road, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543-1050, USA
| | - Martin Biuw
- Marine Mammal Group, Institute of Marine Research, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Olaf Boebel
- Ocean Acoustics Group, Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz-Center for Polar and Marine Research, Klussmannstrasse 3d, 27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Irvine LM, Palacios DM, Lagerquist BA, Mate BR. Scales of Blue and Fin Whale Feeding Behavior off California, USA, With Implications for Prey Patchiness. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
|