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Tervo OM, Blackwell SB, Ditlevsen S, Conrad AS, Samson AL, Garde E, Hansen RG, Mads Peter HJ. Narwhals react to ship noise and airgun pulses embedded in background noise. Biol Lett 2021; 17:20210220. [PMID: 34753294 PMCID: PMC8580433 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2021.0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities are increasing in the Arctic, posing a threat to niche-conservative species with high seasonal site fidelity, such as the narwhal Monodon monoceros. In this controlled sound exposure study, six narwhals were live-captured and instrumented with animal-borne tags providing movement and behavioural data, and exposed to concurrent ship noise and airgun pulses. All narwhals reacted to sound exposure with reduced buzzing rates, where the response was dependent on the magnitude of exposure defined as 1/distance to ship. Buzzing rate was halved at 12 km from the ship, and whales ceased foraging at 7-8 km. Effects of exposure could be detected at distances > 40 km from the ship.At only a few kilometres from the ship, the received high-frequency cetacean weighted sound exposure levels were below background noise indicating extreme sensitivity of narwhals towards sound disturbance and demonstrating their ability to detect signals embedded in background noise. The narwhal's reactions to sustained disturbance may have a plethora of consequences both at individual and population levels. The observed reactions of the whales demonstrate their auditory sensitivity but also emphasize, that anthropogenic activities in pristine narwhal habitats needs to be managed carefully if healthy narwhal populations are to be maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Outi M Tervo
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Susanne Ditlevsen
- Data Science Laboratory, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Adeline L Samson
- Laboratoire Jean Kuntzmann, University Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Eva Garde
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rikke G Hansen
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Heide-Jørgensen Mads Peter
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Nuuk, Greenland
- Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Carlucci R, Manea E, Ricci P, Cipriano G, Fanizza C, Maglietta R, Gissi E. Managing multiple pressures for cetaceans' conservation with an Ecosystem-Based Marine Spatial Planning approach. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 287:112240. [PMID: 33740744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recognized important ecological role that cetaceans play in the marine environment, their protection is still scarcely enforced in the Mediterranean Sea even though this area is strongly threatened by local human pressures and climate change. The piecemeal of knowledge related to cetaceans' ecology and distribution in the basin undermines the capacity of addressing cetaceans' protection and identifying effective conservation strategies. In this study, an Ecosystem-Based Marine Spatial Planning (EB-MSP) approach is applied to assess human pressures on cetaceans and guide the designation of a conservation area in the Gulf of Taranto, Northern Ionian Sea (Central-eastern Mediterranean Sea). The Gulf of Taranto hosts different cetacean species that accomplish important phases of their life in the area. Despite this fact, the gulf does not fall within any area-based management tools (ABMTs) for cetacean conservation. We pin down the Gulf of Taranto being eligible for the designation of diverse ABMTs for conservation, both legally and non-legally binding. Through a risk-based approach, this study explores the cause-effect relationships that link any human activities and pressures exerted in the study area to potential effects on cetaceans, by identifying major drivers of potential impacts. These were found to be underwater noise, marine litter, ship collision, and competition and disturbance on preys. We draw some recommendations based on different sources of available knowledge produced so far in the area (i.e., empirical evidence, scientific and grey literature, and expert judgement) to boost cetaceans' conservation. Finally, we stress the need of sectoral coordination for the management of human activities by applying an EB-MSP approach and valuing the establishment of an ABMT in the Gulf of Taranto.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Carlucci
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Manea
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council, ISMAR-CNR, Arsenale, Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122, Venice, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Ricci
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Cipriano
- Department of Biology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy; CoNISMa, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmelo Fanizza
- Jonian Dolphin Conservation, Viale Virgilio 102, 74121, Taranto, Italy
| | - Rosalia Maglietta
- Institute of Intelligent Industrial Systems and Technologies for Advanced Manufacturing, National Research Council, Via Amendola 122 D/O, 70126, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Gissi
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council, ISMAR-CNR, Arsenale, Tesa 104, Castello 2737/F, 30122, Venice, Italy; University Iuav of Venice, Tolentini, Santa Croce 191, 30135, Venice, Italy
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3
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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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4
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Kavanagh AS, Nykänen M, Hunt W, Richardson N, Jessopp MJ. Seismic surveys reduce cetacean sightings across a large marine ecosystem. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19164. [PMID: 31844150 PMCID: PMC6915703 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55500-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Noise pollution is increasing globally, and as oceans are excellent conductors of sound, this is a major concern for marine species reliant on sound for key life functions. Loud, impulsive sounds from seismic surveys have been associated with impacts on many marine taxa including mammals, crustaceans, cephalopods, and fish. However, impacts across large spatial scales or multiple species are rarely considered. We modelled over 8,000 hours of cetacean survey data across a large marine ecosystem covering > 880,000 km2 to investigate the effect of seismic surveys on baleen and toothed whales. We found a significant effect of seismic activity across multiple species and habitats, with an 88% (82-92%) decrease in sightings of baleen whales, and a 53% (41-63%) decrease in sightings of toothed whales during active seismic surveys when compared to control surveys. Significantly fewer sightings of toothed whales also occurred during active versus inactive airgun periods of seismic surveys, although some species-specific response to noise was observed. This study provides strong evidence of multi-species impacts from seismic survey noise on cetaceans. Given the global proliferation of seismic surveys and large propagation distances of airgun noise, our results highlight the large-scale impacts that marine species are currently facing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Kavanagh
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland.
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Galway, T23N73K, Ireland.
| | - M Nykänen
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, T23N73K, Ireland
| | - W Hunt
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland
| | - N Richardson
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland
| | - M J Jessopp
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland.
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, T23N73K, Ireland.
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5
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Schmidt FN, Delsmann MM, Mletzko K, Yorgan TA, Hahn M, Siebert U, Busse B, Oheim R, Amling M, Rolvien T. Ultra-high matrix mineralization of sperm whale auditory ossicles facilitates high sound pressure and high-frequency underwater hearing. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:20181820. [PMID: 30963901 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The auditory ossicles-malleus, incus and stapes-are the smallest bones in mammalian bodies and enable stable sound transmission to the inner ear. Sperm whales are one of the deepest diving aquatic mammals that produce and perceive sounds with extreme loudness greater than 180 dB and frequencies higher than 30 kHz. Therefore, it is of major interest to decipher the microstructural basis for these unparalleled hearing abilities. Using a suite of high-resolution imaging techniques, we reveal that auditory ossicles of sperm whales are highly functional, featuring an ultra-high matrix mineralization that is higher than their teeth. On a micro-morphological and cellular level, this was associated with osteonal structures and osteocyte lacunar occlusions through calcified nanospherites (i.e. micropetrosis), while the bones were characterized by a higher hardness compared to a vertebral bone of the same animals as well as to human auditory ossicles. We propose that the ultra-high mineralization facilitates the unique hearing ability of sperm whales. High matrix mineralization represents an evolutionary conserved or convergent adaptation to middle ear sound transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix N Schmidt
- 1 Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Lottestrasse 59, 22529 Hamburg , Germany
| | - Maximilian M Delsmann
- 1 Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Lottestrasse 59, 22529 Hamburg , Germany
| | - Kathrin Mletzko
- 1 Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Lottestrasse 59, 22529 Hamburg , Germany
| | - Timur A Yorgan
- 1 Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Lottestrasse 59, 22529 Hamburg , Germany
| | - Michael Hahn
- 1 Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Lottestrasse 59, 22529 Hamburg , Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- 2 Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover , Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum , Germany
| | - Björn Busse
- 1 Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Lottestrasse 59, 22529 Hamburg , Germany
| | - Ralf Oheim
- 1 Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Lottestrasse 59, 22529 Hamburg , Germany
| | - Michael Amling
- 1 Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Lottestrasse 59, 22529 Hamburg , Germany
| | - Tim Rolvien
- 1 Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Lottestrasse 59, 22529 Hamburg , Germany.,3 Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg , Germany
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6
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Bagočius D, Narščius A. Underwater noise level predictions of ammunition explosions in the shallow area of Lithuanian Baltic Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:1311-1317. [PMID: 31252128 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Among the noisiest man-made activities in the seas, emitting very high acoustic energy are the underwater explosions of various objects and ship shock trials. Sound energy emitted by high explosives can be predicted or measured at sea. Sometimes, it can be convenient to apply empirical formulas and scaling laws to approximate the energy of underwater explosions. In addition, at some instances the determination of the spectral properties of the explosions is useful, i.e. when possible animal exposure to impulsive noise has to be evaluated. This paper presents an example of an application of freely available scaling laws and equations for prediction of noise levels of underwater explosions of historical ordnance in the shallow sea environments. Main findings of the study: An available scaling laws applied to model underwater explosion properties; spatial extent of explosion mapped; arising issues of modelling of underwater explosions in the shallow marine areas discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatas Bagočius
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipėda University, H.Manto 84a, Lithuania.
| | - Aleksas Narščius
- Marine Research Institute, Klaipėda University, H.Manto 84a, Lithuania
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7
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Alexiadou P, Foskolos I, Frantzis A. Ingestion of macroplastics by odontocetes of the Greek Seas, Eastern Mediterranean: Often deadly! MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 146:67-75. [PMID: 31426207 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is an omnipresent problem that threatens marine animals through ingestion and entanglement. Marine mammals are no exception to this rule but their interaction with plastic remains understudied in the Mediterranean Sea. Here we highlight this problem by analyzing the stomach contents of 34 individuals from seven odontocete species stranded in Greece. Macroplastic (>5 mm) was found in the stomachs of nine individuals from four species (harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena, Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus, Cuvier's beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris and sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus) with the highest frequency of occurrence in sperm whales (60%). Gastric blockage from plastic was presumably lethal in three cases, with plastic bags being the most common finding (46%). Plastic ingestion is of particular conservation concern for the endangered Mediterranean sperm whales. A regular examination of stranded cetaceans with a standardised protocol is critical for allowing spatiotemporal comparisons within and across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Alexiadou
- Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute, Terpsichoris 21, 16671 Vouliagmeni, Greece
| | - Ilias Foskolos
- Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute, Terpsichoris 21, 16671 Vouliagmeni, Greece.
| | - Alexandros Frantzis
- Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute, Terpsichoris 21, 16671 Vouliagmeni, Greece
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8
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von Benda-Beckmann AM, Wensveen PJ, Prior M, Ainslie MA, Hansen RR, Isojunno S, Lam FPA, Kvadsheim PH, Miller PJO. Predicting acoustic dose associated with marine mammal behavioural responses to sound as detected with fixed acoustic recorders and satellite tags. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 145:1401. [PMID: 31067938 DOI: 10.1121/1.5093543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
To understand the consequences of underwater noise exposure for cetaceans, there is a need for assessments of behavioural responses over increased spatial and temporal scales. Bottom-moored acoustic recorders and satellite tags provide such long-term and large spatial coverage of behaviour compared to short-duration acoustic-recording tags. However, these tools result in a decreased resolution of data from which an animal response can be inferred, and no direct recording of the sound received at the animal. This study discusses the consequence of the decreased resolution of data from satellite tags and fixed acoustic recorders on the acoustic dose estimated by propagation modelling and presents a method for estimating the range of sound levels that animals observed with these methods have received. This problem is illustrated using experimental results obtained during controlled exposures of northern bottlenose whales (Hyperoodon ampullatus) exposed to naval sonar, carried out near Jan Mayen, Norway. It is shown that variability and uncertainties in the sound field, resulting from limited sampling of the acoustic environment, as well as decreased resolution in animal locations, can lead to quantifiable uncertainties in the estimated acoustic dose associated with the behavioural response (in this case avoidance and cessation of foraging).
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Affiliation(s)
- A M von Benda-Beckmann
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - P J Wensveen
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - M Prior
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - M A Ainslie
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - R R Hansen
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - S Isojunno
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - F P A Lam
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - P H Kvadsheim
- Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), Defence Systems, Horten, Norway
| | - P J O Miller
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, School of Biology, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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9
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Mikkelsen L, Johnson M, Wisniewska DM, van Neer A, Siebert U, Madsen PT, Teilmann J. Long-term sound and movement recording tags to study natural behavior and reaction to ship noise of seals. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:2588-2601. [PMID: 30891202 PMCID: PMC6405890 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of anthropogenic noise on marine fauna is of increasing conservation concern with vessel noise being one of the major contributors. Animals that rely on shallow coastal habitats may be especially vulnerable to this form of pollution.Very limited information is available on how much noise from ship traffic individual animals experience, and how they may react to it due to a lack of suitable methods. To address this, we developed long-duration audio and 3D-movement tags (DTAGs) and deployed them on three harbor seals and two gray seals in the North Sea during 2015-2016.These tags recorded sound, accelerometry, magnetometry, and pressure continuously for up to 21 days. GPS positions were also sampled for one seal continuously throughout the recording period. A separate tag, combining a camera and an accelerometer logger, was deployed on two harbor seals to visualize specific behaviors that helped interpret accelerometer signals in the DTAG data.Combining data from depth, accelerometer, and audio sensors, we found that animals spent 6.6%-42.3% of the time hauled out (either on land or partly submerged), and 5.3%-12.4% of their at-sea time resting at the sea bottom, while the remaining time was used for traveling, resting at surface, and foraging. Animals were exposed to audible vessel noise 2.2%-20.5% of their time when in water, and we demonstrate that interruption of functional behaviors (e.g., resting) in some cases coincides with high-level vessel noise. Two-thirds of the ship noise events were traceable by the AIS vessel tracking system, while one-third comprised vessels without AIS.This preliminary study demonstrates how concomitant long-term continuous broadband on-animal sound and movement recordings may be an important tool in future quantification of disturbance effects of anthropogenic activities at sea and assessment of long-term population impacts on pinnipeds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark Johnson
- Sea Mammal Research UnitUniversity of St. AndrewsSt. AndrewsUK
- Department of BioscienceAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
| | - Danuta Maria Wisniewska
- Department of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
- Hopkins Marine StationStanford UniversityStanfordCalifornia
| | - Abbo van Neer
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW)University of Veterinary Medicine HannoverFoundationGermany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW)University of Veterinary Medicine HannoverFoundationGermany
| | - Peter Teglberg Madsen
- Department of BioscienceAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
- Aarhus Institute for Advanced StudiesAarhus UniversityAarhus CDenmark
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Department of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
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10
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Greif S, Yovel Y. Using on-board sound recordings to infer behaviour of free-moving wild animals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:222/Suppl_1/jeb184689. [PMID: 30728226 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.184689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Technological advances in the last 20 years have enabled researchers to develop increasingly sophisticated miniature devices (tags) that record an animal's behaviour not from an observational, external viewpoint, but directly on the animals themselves. So far, behavioural research with these tags has mostly been conducted using movement or acceleration data. But on-board audio recordings have become more and more common following pioneering work in marine mammal research. The first questions that come to mind when recording sound on-board animals concern their vocal behaviour. When are they calling? How do they adjust their behaviour? What acoustic parameters do they change and how? However, other topics like foraging behaviour, social interactions or environmental acoustics can now be addressed as well and offer detailed insight into the animals' daily life. In this Review, we discuss the possibilities, advantages and limitations of on-board acoustic recordings. We focus primarily on bats as their active-sensing, echolocating lifestyle allows many approaches to a multi-faceted acoustic assessment of their behaviour. The general ideas and concepts, however, are applicable to many animals and hopefully will demonstrate the versatility of on-board acoustic recordings and stimulate new research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Greif
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Yossi Yovel
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel .,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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11
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Kyhn LA, Wisniewska DM, Beedholm K, Tougaard J, Simon M, Mosbech A, Madsen PT. Basin-wide contributions to the underwater soundscape by multiple seismic surveys with implications for marine mammals in Baffin Bay, Greenland. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 138:474-490. [PMID: 30660297 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Seismic surveys increasingly operate in deeper Arctic waters with propagation conditions and marine mammal fauna different from the better-studied temperate, or shallow-water, regions. Using 31 calibrated sound recorders, we quantified noise contributions from four concurrent seismic surveys in Baffin Bay, Greenland, to estimate their potential impacts on marine mammals. The impact was cumulative as the noise level rose in response to the onset of each survey: on a minute-by-minute scale the sound-exposure-levels varied by up to 70 dB (20 dB on average), depending on range to the seismic vessel, local bathymetry effects and interference patterns, representing a significant change in the auditory scene for marine mammals. Airgun pulse energy did not decrease to ambient before arrival of the next pulse leaving very little low-frequency masking-free time. Overall, the measured values matched well with pre-season-modeling, emphasizing the importance of noise-modeling in impact assessments, if responses of focal marine mammals are known.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Kyhn
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - D M Wisniewska
- Department of Bioscience, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Building 1131, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, 120 Ocean View Blvd, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA
| | - K Beedholm
- Department of Bioscience, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Building 1131, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - J Tougaard
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - M Simon
- Greenland Climate Research Centre at the Greenland Institute of Natural Resources, Kivioq 2, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
| | - A Mosbech
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Center, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - P T Madsen
- Department of Bioscience, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Building 1131, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; Aarhus Institute for Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergs Gade 6B, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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12
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Pirotta E, Booth CG, Costa DP, Fleishman E, Kraus SD, Lusseau D, Moretti D, New LF, Schick RS, Schwarz LK, Simmons SE, Thomas L, Tyack PL, Weise MJ, Wells RS, Harwood J. Understanding the population consequences of disturbance. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:9934-9946. [PMID: 30386587 PMCID: PMC6202709 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Managing the nonlethal effects of disturbance on wildlife populations has been a long-term goal for decision makers, managers, and ecologists, and assessment of these effects is currently required by European Union and United States legislation. However, robust assessment of these effects is challenging. The management of human activities that have nonlethal effects on wildlife is a specific example of a fundamental ecological problem: how to understand the population-level consequences of changes in the behavior or physiology of individual animals that are caused by external stressors. In this study, we review recent applications of a conceptual framework for assessing and predicting these consequences for marine mammal populations. We explore the range of models that can be used to formalize the approach and we identify critical research gaps. We also provide a decision tree that can be used to select the most appropriate model structure given the available data. Synthesis and applications: The implementation of this framework has moved the focus of discussion of the management of nonlethal disturbances on marine mammal populations away from a rhetorical debate about defining negligible impact and toward a quantitative understanding of long-term population-level effects. Here we demonstrate the framework's general applicability to other marine and terrestrial systems and show how it can support integrated modeling of the proximate and ultimate mechanisms that regulate trait-mediated, indirect interactions in ecological communities, that is, the nonconsumptive effects of a predator or stressor on a species' behavior, physiology, or life history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Pirotta
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsWashington State UniversityVancouverWashington
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | | | - Daniel P. Costa
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta CruzCalifornia
| | - Erica Fleishman
- Department of Environmental Science and PolicyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCalifornia
- Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation BiologyColorado State UniversityFort CollinsColorado
| | - Scott D. Kraus
- Anderson‐Cabot Center for Ocean LifeNew England AquariumBostonMassachusetts
| | - David Lusseau
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | | | - Leslie F. New
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsWashington State UniversityVancouverWashington
| | - Robert S. Schick
- Duke UniversityDurhamNorth Carolina
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Lisa K. Schwarz
- Institute of Marine SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaSanta CruzCalifornia
| | | | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Peter L. Tyack
- Sea Mammal Research UnitScottish Oceans InstituteSchool of BiologyUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Michael J. Weise
- Office of Naval ResearchMarine Mammal & Biology ProgramArlingtonVirginia
| | - Randall S. Wells
- Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Programc/o Mote Marine LaboratorySarasotaFlorida
| | - John Harwood
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
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13
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Dunlop RA, Noad MJ, McCauley RD, Kniest E, Slade R, Paton D, Cato DH. A behavioural dose-response model for migrating humpback whales and seismic air gun noise. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 133:506-516. [PMID: 30041344 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The behavioural responses of migrating humpback whales to an air gun, a small clustered seismic array and a commercial array were used to develop a dose-response model, accounting for the presence of the vessel, array towpath relative to the migration and social and environmental parameters. Whale groups were more likely to show an avoidance response (increasing their distance from the source) when the received sound exposure level was over 130 dB re 1 μPa2·s and they were within 4 km of the source. The 50% probability of response occurred where received levels were 150-155 dB re 1 μPa2·s and they were within 2.5 km of the source. A small number of whales moving rapidly close to the source vessel did not exhibit an avoidance response at the highest received levels (160-170 dB re 1 μPa2·s) meaning it was not possible to estimate the maximum response threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Dunlop
- Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia.
| | - Michael J Noad
- Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | | | - Eric Kniest
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Robert Slade
- Blue Planet Marine, P.O. Box 919, Canberra ACT 2614, Australia
| | - David Paton
- Blue Planet Marine, P.O. Box 919, Canberra ACT 2614, Australia
| | - Douglas H Cato
- School of Geosciences, University of Sydney and Defence Science and Technology Group, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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14
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von Benda-Beckmann AM, Thomas L, Tyack PL, Ainslie MA. Modelling the broadband propagation of marine mammal echolocation clicks for click-based population density estimates. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 143:954. [PMID: 29495736 DOI: 10.1121/1.5023220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Passive acoustic monitoring with widely-dispersed hydrophones has been suggested as a cost-effective method to monitor population densities of echolocating marine mammals. This requires an estimate of the area around each receiver over which vocalizations are detected-the "effective detection area" (EDA). In the absence of auxiliary measurements enabling estimation of the EDA, it can be modelled instead. Common simplifying model assumptions include approximating the spectrum of clicks by flat energy spectra, and neglecting the frequency-dependence of sound absorption within the click bandwidth (narrowband assumption), rendering the problem amenable to solution using the sonar equation. Here, it is investigated how these approximations affect the estimated EDA and their potential for biasing the estimated density. EDA was estimated using the passive sonar equation, and by applying detectors to simulated clicks injected into measurements of background noise. By comparing model predictions made using these two approaches for different spectral energy distributions of echolocation clicks, but identical click source energy level and detector settings, EDA differed by up to a factor of 2 for Blainville's beaked whales. Both methods predicted relative density bias due to narrowband assumptions ranged from 5% to more than 100%, depending on the species, detector settings, and noise conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M von Benda-Beckmann
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)-Technical Sciences, Sonar Group, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9LZ Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Peter L Tyack
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Ainslie
- The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)-Technical Sciences, Sonar Group, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
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15
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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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16
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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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17
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Dahl PH, Dall'Osto DR. On the underwater sound field from impact pile driving: Arrival structure, precursor arrivals, and energy streamlines. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 142:1141. [PMID: 28863572 DOI: 10.1121/1.4999060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Underwater noise from impact pile driving is studied through measurements using a vertical line array (VLA) placed at range 120 m from the pile source (water depth 7.5 m) over which bathymetry varied gradually increasing to depth 12.5 m at the VLA. The data were modeled assuming the pile impact produces a radial expansion that acts as sound source and propagates along the pile at supersonic speed. This leads to the conceptualization of the pile as a discrete, vertical line source for which frequency- and source-depth-dependent complex phasing is applied. Dominant features of the pressure time series versus measurement depth are reproduced in modeled counterparts that are linearly related. These observations include precursor arrivals for which arrival timing depends on hydrophone depth and influence of a sediment sound speed gradient on precursor amplitude. Spatial gradients of model results are taken to obtain estimates of acoustic particle velocity and vector intensity for which active intensity is studied in the time domain. Evaluation of energy streamlines based on time-integrated active intensity, and energy path lines based on instantaneous (or very-short-time integrated) active intensity reveal interesting structure in the acoustic field, including an inference as to the source depth of the precursor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Dahl
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, 1013 Northeast 40th Street, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - David R Dall'Osto
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, 1013 Northeast 40th Street, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
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18
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Schnitzler JG, Frédérich B, Früchtnicht S, Schaffeld T, Baltzer J, Ruser A, Siebert U. Size and shape variations of the bony components of sperm whale cochleae. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46734. [PMID: 28440286 PMCID: PMC5404505 DOI: 10.1038/srep46734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mass strandings of sperm whales occurred in the North Sea during January and February 2016. Twelve animals were necropsied and sampled around 48 h after their discovery on German coasts of Schleswig Holstein. The present study aims to explore the morphological variation of the primary sensory organ of sperm whales, the left and right auditory system, using high-resolution computerised tomography imaging. We performed a quantitative analysis of size and shape of cochleae using landmark-based geometric morphometrics to reveal inter-individual anatomical variations. A hierarchical cluster analysis based on thirty-one external morphometric characters classified these 12 individuals in two stranding clusters. A relative amount of shape variation could be attributable to geographical differences among stranding locations and clusters. Our geometric data allowed the discrimination of distinct bachelor schools among sperm whales that stranded on German coasts. We argue that the cochleae are individually shaped, varying greatly in dimensions and that the intra-specific variation observed in the morphology of the cochleae may partially reflect their affiliation to their bachelor school. There are increasing concerns about the impact of noise on cetaceans and describing the auditory periphery of odontocetes is a key conservation issue to further assess the effect of noise pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Schnitzler
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Bruno Frédérich
- Laboratoire de Morphologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, AFFISH Research Center, Université de Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.,Laboratoire d'Océanologie, MARE Center, Université de Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Sven Früchtnicht
- Röntgenpraxis Heide, Rungholtstr. 5 E-F, 25746 Heide, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Tobias Schaffeld
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Johannes Baltzer
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Andreas Ruser
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
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19
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Khodabandeloo B, Landrø M, Hanssen A. Acoustic generation of underwater cavities-Comparing modeled and measured acoustic signals generated by seismic air gun arrays. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 141:2661. [PMID: 28464665 DOI: 10.1121/1.4979939] [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
Underwater vapor cavities can be generated by acoustic stimulation. When the acoustic signals from several air guns are reflected from the sea surface, the pressure drop at some locations is sufficient for cavity growth and subsequent collapse. In this paper the generation of multiple water vapor cavities and their collapses are numerically modeled and the results are validated by comparing with field data from a seismic air gun array test. In a first modeling attempt where cavity interaction is neglected, a correspondence between measured and modeled data is found. Then, this correspondence is improved by assuming that the acoustic signal generated by the other cavities changes the hydrostatic pressure surrounding each cavity. This modeling can be used to estimate the amount and strength of high frequency signals generated by typical marine air gun arrays, given that a calibration step is performed prior to the modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Khodabandeloo
- Department of Geoscience and Petroleum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martin Landrø
- Department of Geoscience and Petroleum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Alfred Hanssen
- Department of Geosciences, ARCEx, University of Tromsø, The Arctic University of Norway, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway
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20
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Chen F, Shapiro GI, Bennett KA, Ingram SN, Thompson D, Vincent C, Russell DJF, Embling CB. Shipping noise in a dynamic sea: a case study of grey seals in the Celtic Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 114:372-383. [PMID: 27677390 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.09.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Shipping noise is a threat to marine wildlife. Grey seals are benthic foragers, and thus experience acoustic noise throughout the water column, which makes them a good model species for a case study of the potential impacts of shipping noise. We used ship track data from the Celtic Sea, seal track data and a coupled ocean-acoustic modelling system to assess the noise exposure of grey seals along their tracks. It was found that the animals experience step changes in sound levels up to ~20dB at a frequency of 125Hz, and ~10dB on average over 10-1000Hz when they dive through the thermocline, particularly during summer. Our results showed large seasonal differences in the noise level experienced by the seals. These results reveal the actual noise exposure by the animals and could help in marine spatial planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Chen
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - G I Shapiro
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - K A Bennett
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK; School of Science, Engineering and Technology, Abertay University, Dundee, UK
| | - S N Ingram
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - D Thompson
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, UK
| | - C Vincent
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS/University of La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000 La Rochelle, France
| | - D J F Russell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, UK
| | - C B Embling
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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21
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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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23
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Vilela R, Pena U, Esteban R, Koemans R. Bayesian spatial modeling of cetacean sightings during a seismic acquisition survey. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 109:512-520. [PMID: 27210556 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A visual monitoring of marine mammals was carried out during a seismic acquisition survey performed in waters south of Portugal with the aim of assessing the likelihood of encountering Mysticeti species in this region as well as to determine the impact of the seismic activity upon encounter. Sightings and effort data were assembled with a range of environmental variables at different lags, and a Bayesian site-occupancy modeling approach was used to develop prediction maps and evaluate how species-specific habitat conditions evolved throughout the presence or not of seismic activity. No statistical evidence of a decrease in the sighting rates of Mysticeti by comparison to source activity was found. Indeed, it was found how Mysticeti distribution during the survey period was driven solely by environmental variables. Although further research is needed, possible explanations may include anthropogenic noise habituation and zone of seismic activity coincident with a naturally low density area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Vilela
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Africa program, Battery IV, seated CIMA, BP7847 Libreville, Gabon.
| | - Ursula Pena
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Africa program, Battery IV, seated CIMA, BP7847 Libreville, Gabon
| | - Ruth Esteban
- CIRCE (Conservation Information and Research on Cetaceans), C/Cabeza de Manzaneda 3, Pelayo-Algeciras, 11390 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Robin Koemans
- Repsol Exploracion, Méndez Álvaro, 44, 28045 Madrid, Spain
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24
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Wisniewska DM, Teilmann J, Hermannsen L, Johnson M, Miller LA, Siebert U, Madsen PT. Quantitative Measures of Anthropogenic Noise on Harbor Porpoises: Testing the Reliability of Acoustic Tag Recordings. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 875:1237-42. [PMID: 26611092 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2981-8_155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, several sound and movement recording tags have been developed to sample the acoustic field experienced by cetaceans and their reactions to it. However, little is known about how tag placement and an animal's orientation in the sound field affect the reliability of on-animal recordings as proxies for actual exposure. Here, we quantify sound exposure levels recorded with a DTAG-3 tag on a captive harbor porpoise exposed to vessel noise in a controlled acoustic environment. Results show that flow noise is limiting onboard noise recordings, whereas no evidence of body shading has been found for frequencies of 2-20 kHz.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta M Wisniewska
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Line Hermannsen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Mark Johnson
- Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK.
| | - Lee A Miller
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
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25
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Ellison WT, Racca R, Clark CW, Streever B, Frankel AS, Fleishman E, Angliss R, Berger J, Ketten D, Guerra M, Leu M, McKenna M, Sformo T, Southall B, Suydam R, Thomas L. Modeling the aggregated exposure and responses of bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus to multiple sources of anthropogenic underwater sound. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2016. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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26
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Guan S, Vignola J, Judge J, Turo D. Airgun inter-pulse noise field during a seismic survey in an Arctic ultra shallow marine environment. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2015; 138:3447-3457. [PMID: 26723302 DOI: 10.1121/1.4936904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Offshore oil and gas exploration using seismic airguns generates intense underwater pulses that could cause marine mammal hearing impairment and/or behavioral disturbances. However, few studies have investigated the resulting multipath propagation and reverberation from airgun pulses. This research uses continuous acoustic recordings collected in the Arctic during a low-level open-water shallow marine seismic survey, to measure noise levels between airgun pulses. Two methods were used to quantify noise levels during these inter-pulse intervals. The first, based on calculating the root-mean-square sound pressure level in various sub-intervals, is referred to as the increment computation method, and the second, which employs the Hilbert transform to calculate instantaneous acoustic amplitudes, is referred to as the Hilbert transform method. Analyses using both methods yield similar results, showing that the inter-pulse sound field exceeds ambient noise levels by as much as 9 dB during relatively quiet conditions. Inter-pulse noise levels are also related to the source distance, probably due to the higher reverberant conditions of the very shallow water environment. These methods can be used to quantify acoustic environment impacts from anthropogenic transient noises (e.g., seismic pulses, impact pile driving, and sonar pings) and to address potential acoustic masking affecting marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Guan
- Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC-3 Suite 13826, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA
| | - Joseph Vignola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20064, USA
| | - John Judge
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20064, USA
| | - Diego Turo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Catholic University of America, 620 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20064, USA
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Fleishman E, Streever B, Angliss R, Clark CW, Ellison WT, Frankel A, Gedamke J, Leu M, McKenna M, Racca R, Simmons S, Suydam R. Current Status of Development of Methods to Assess Effects of Cumulative or Aggregated Underwater Sounds on Marine Mammals. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 875:303-11. [PMID: 26610973 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2981-8_36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
There are no standards for assessment of the cumulative effects of underwater sound. Quantitative assessments typically consider a single source, whereas qualitative assessments may include multiple sources but rarely identify response variables. As a step toward understanding the cumulative effects of underwater sound, we assessed the aggregated sounds of multiple sources received by migrating bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus). The quantitative method models the sound field from multiple sources and simulates movement of a population through it. The qualitative method uses experts to assess the responses of individuals and populations to sound sources and identify the potential mechanisms. These methods increase the transparency of assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Fleishman
- John Muir Institute of the Environment, The Barn, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Bill Streever
- BP Exploration (Alaska), Inc., Anchorage, AK, 99519, USA.
| | - Robyn Angliss
- National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA, 98103, USA.
| | | | | | - Adam Frankel
- Marine Acoustics, Inc., Shady Side, MD, 20764, USA.
| | - Jason Gedamke
- Office of Science and Technology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA.
| | - Matthias Leu
- Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23185, USA.
| | - Megan McKenna
- Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, United States National Park Service, Fort Collins, CO, 80525, USA.
| | - Roberto Racca
- JASCO Applied Sciences, Victoria, BC, Canada, V8Z 7X8.
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Wright AJ, Cosentino AM. JNCC guidelines for minimising the risk of injury and disturbance to marine mammals from seismic surveys: We can do better. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 100:231-239. [PMID: 26364203 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The U.K.'s Joint Nature Conservation Committee 1998 guidelines for minimising acoustic impacts from seismic surveys on marine mammals were the first of their kind. Covering both planning and operations, they included various measures for reducing the potential for damaging hearing - an appropriate focus at the time. Since introduction, the guidelines have been criticised for, among other things: the arbitrarily-sized safety zones; the lack of shut-down provisions; the use of mitigation measures that introduce more noise into the environment (e.g., soft-starts); inadequate observer training; and the lack of standardised data collection protocols. Despite the concerns, the guidelines have remained largely unchanged. Moreover, increasing scientific recognition of the scope and magnitude of non-injurious impacts of sound on marine life has become much more widespread since the last revisions in 2010. Accordingly, here we present feasible and realistic recommendations for such improvements, in light of the current state of knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Wright
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
| | - A Mel Cosentino
- Wild Earth Foundation, Av de las Ballenas 9500, Puerto Pirámides, Península Valdés, Chubut, Argentina
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Characteristics and Propagation of Airgun Pulses in Shallow Water with Implications for Effects on Small Marine Mammals. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26214849 PMCID: PMC4516352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Airguns used in seismic surveys are among the most prevalent and powerful anthropogenic noise sources in marine habitats. They are designed to produce most energy below 100 Hz, but the pulses have also been reported to contain medium-to-high frequency components with the potential to affect small marine mammals, which have their best hearing sensitivity at higher frequencies. In shallow water environments, inhabited by many of such species, the impact of airgun noise may be particularly challenging to assess due to complex propagation conditions. To alleviate the current lack of knowledge on the characteristics and propagation of airgun pulses in shallow water with implications for effects on small marine mammals, we recorded pulses from a single airgun with three operating volumes (10 in3, 25 in3 and 40 in3) at six ranges (6, 120, 200, 400, 800 and 1300 m) in a uniform shallow water habitat using two calibrated Reson 4014 hydrophones and four DSG-Ocean acoustic data recorders. We show that airgun pulses in this shallow habitat propagated out to 1300 meters in a way that can be approximated by a 18log(r) geometric transmission loss model, but with a high pass filter effect from the shallow water depth. Source levels were back-calculated to 192 dB re µPa2s (sound exposure level) and 200 dB re 1 µPa dB Leq-fast (rms over 125 ms duration), and the pulses contained substantial energy up to 10 kHz, even at the furthest recording station at 1300 meters. We conclude that the risk of causing hearing damage when using single airguns in shallow waters is small for both pinnipeds and porpoises. However, there is substantial potential for significant behavioral responses out to several km from the airgun, well beyond the commonly used shut-down zone of 500 meters.
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Harbour porpoises react to low levels of high frequency vessel noise. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11083. [PMID: 26095689 PMCID: PMC4476045 DOI: 10.1038/srep11083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans rely critically on sound for navigation, foraging and communication and are therefore potentially affected by increasing noise levels from human activities at sea. Shipping is the main contributor of anthropogenic noise underwater, but studies of shipping noise effects have primarily considered baleen whales due to their good hearing at low frequencies, where ships produce most noise power. Conversely, the possible effects of vessel noise on small toothed whales have been largely ignored due to their poor low-frequency hearing. Prompted by recent findings of energy at medium- to high-frequencies in vessel noise, we conducted an exposure study where the behaviour of four porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in a net-pen was logged while they were exposed to 133 vessel passages. Using a multivariate generalised linear mixed-effects model, we show that low levels of high frequency components in vessel noise elicit strong, stereotyped behavioural responses in porpoises. Such low levels will routinely be experienced by porpoises in the wild at ranges of more than 1000 meters from vessels, suggesting that vessel noise is a, so far, largely overlooked, but substantial source of disturbance in shallow water areas with high densities of both porpoises and vessels.
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Wensveen PJ, von Benda-Beckmann AM, Ainslie MA, Lam FPA, Kvadsheim PH, Tyack PL, Miller PJO. How effectively do horizontal and vertical response strategies of long-finned pilot whales reduce sound exposure from naval sonar? MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 106:68-81. [PMID: 25795075 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The behaviour of a marine mammal near a noise source can modulate the sound exposure it receives. We demonstrate that two long-finned pilot whales both surfaced in synchrony with consecutive arrivals of multiple sonar pulses. We then assess the effect of surfacing and other behavioural response strategies on the received cumulative sound exposure levels and maximum sound pressure levels (SPLs) by modelling realistic spatiotemporal interactions of a pilot whale with an approaching source. Under the propagation conditions of our model, some response strategies observed in the wild were effective in reducing received levels (e.g. movement perpendicular to the source's line of approach), but others were not (e.g. switching from deep to shallow diving; synchronous surfacing after maximum SPLs). Our study exemplifies how simulations of source-whale interactions guided by detailed observational data can improve our understanding about motivations behind behaviour responses observed in the wild (e.g., reducing sound exposure, prey movement).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Wensveen
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, United Kingdom; Acoustics & Sonar Research Group, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), PO Box 96864, The Hague, 2509 JG, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexander M von Benda-Beckmann
- Acoustics & Sonar Research Group, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), PO Box 96864, The Hague, 2509 JG, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A Ainslie
- Acoustics & Sonar Research Group, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), PO Box 96864, The Hague, 2509 JG, The Netherlands
| | - Frans-Peter A Lam
- Acoustics & Sonar Research Group, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), PO Box 96864, The Hague, 2509 JG, The Netherlands
| | - Petter H Kvadsheim
- Maritime Systems, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), NO-3191, Horten, Norway
| | - Peter L Tyack
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick J O Miller
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, United Kingdom
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Tougaard J, Wright AJ, Madsen PT. Cetacean noise criteria revisited in the light of proposed exposure limits for harbour porpoises. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 90:196-208. [PMID: 25467877 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The impact of underwater noise on marine life calls for identification of exposure criteria to inform mitigation. Here we review recent experimental evidence with focus on the high-frequency cetaceans and discuss scientifically-based initial exposure criteria. A range of new TTS experiments suggest that harbour and finless porpoises are more sensitive to sound than expected from extrapolations based on results from bottlenose dolphins. Furthermore, the results from TTS experiments and field studies of behavioural reactions to noise, suggest that response thresholds and TTS critically depend on stimulus frequency. Sound exposure levels for pure tones that induce TTS are reasonably consistent at about 100 dB above the hearing threshold for pure tones and sound pressure thresholds for avoidance reactions are in the range of 40-50 dB above the hearing threshold. We propose that frequency weighting with a filter function approximating the inversed audiogram might be appropriate when assessing impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Tougaard
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Andrew J Wright
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, Frederiksborgvej 399, DK-4000 Roskilde, Denmark; Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Peter T Madsen
- Aarhus University, Department of Bioscience, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit, Murdoch University, WA, Australia
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Soloway AG, Dahl PH. Peak sound pressure and sound exposure level from underwater explosions in shallow water. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2014; 136:EL218. [PMID: 25190424 DOI: 10.1121/1.4892668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Experimental measurements of the peak pressure and sound exposure level (SEL) from underwater explosions collected 7 km off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia are presented. The peak pressures are compared to results from previous studies and a semi-empirical equation that is a function of measurement range and charge weight, and are found to be in good agreement. An empirical equation for SEL that similarly employs a scaling approach involving charge weight and range is also presented and shows promise for the prediction of SEL in shallow water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Soloway
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th Street, Seattle, Washington 98105-6698
| | - Peter H Dahl
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40th Street, Seattle, Washington 98105-6698
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Carroll G, Hedley S, Bannister J, Ensor P, Harcourt R. No evidence for recovery in the population of sperm whale bulls off Western Australia, 30 years post-whaling. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2014. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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35
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Miller PJO, Antunes RN, Wensveen PJ, Samarra FIP, Alves AC, Tyack PL, Kvadsheim PH, Kleivane L, Lam FPA, Ainslie MA, Thomas L. Dose-response relationships for the onset of avoidance of sonar by free-ranging killer whales. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2014; 135:975-93. [PMID: 25234905 DOI: 10.1121/1.4861346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Eight experimentally controlled exposures to 1-2 kHz or 6-7 kHz sonar signals were conducted with four killer whale groups. The source level and proximity of the source were increased during each exposure in order to reveal response thresholds. Detailed inspection of movements during each exposure session revealed sustained changes in speed and travel direction judged to be avoidance responses during six of eight sessions. Following methods developed for Phase-I clinical trials in human medicine, response thresholds ranging from 94 to 164 dB re 1 μPa received sound pressure level (SPL) were fitted to Bayesian dose-response functions. Thresholds did not consistently differ by sonar frequency or whether a group had previously been exposed, with a mean SPL response threshold of 142 ± 15 dB (mean ± s.d.). High levels of between- and within-individual variability were identified, indicating that thresholds depended upon other undefined contextual variables. The dose-response functions indicate that some killer whales started to avoid sonar at received SPL below thresholds assumed by the U.S. Navy. The predicted extent of habitat over which avoidance reactions occur depends upon whether whales responded to proximity or received SPL of the sonar or both, but was large enough to raise concerns about biological consequences to the whales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J O Miller
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - Ricardo N Antunes
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - Paul J Wensveen
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - Filipa I P Samarra
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - Ana Catarina Alves
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - Peter L Tyack
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 8LB, Scotland
| | - Petter H Kvadsheim
- Maritime Systems Division, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), NO-3191 Horten, Norway
| | - Lars Kleivane
- Maritime Systems Division, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), NO-3191 Horten, Norway
| | - Frans-Peter A Lam
- Acoustics and Sonar, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), P.O. Box 96864 The Hague, 2509 JG, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A Ainslie
- Acoustics and Sonar, Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), P.O. Box 96864 The Hague, 2509 JG, The Netherlands
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, University of St Andrews, Fife KY16 9QQ, Scotland
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36
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MacGillivray AO, Racca R, Li Z. Marine mammal audibility of selected shallow-water survey sources. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2014; 135:EL35-EL40. [PMID: 24437854 DOI: 10.1121/1.4838296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Most attention about the acoustic effects of marine survey sound sources on marine mammals has focused on airgun arrays, with other common sources receiving less scrutiny. Sound levels above hearing threshold (sensation levels) were modeled for six marine mammal species and seven different survey sources in shallow water. The model indicated that odontocetes were most likely to hear sounds from mid-frequency sources (fishery, communication, and hydrographic systems), mysticetes from low-frequency sources (sub-bottom profiler and airguns), and pinnipeds from both mid- and low-frequency sources. High-frequency sources (side-scan and multibeam) generated the lowest estimated sensation levels for all marine mammal species groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O MacGillivray
- JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd., 2305-4464 Markham Street, Victoria , British Columbia V8Z 7X8, Canada , ,
| | - Roberto Racca
- JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd., 2305-4464 Markham Street, Victoria , British Columbia V8Z 7X8, Canada , ,
| | - Zizheng Li
- JASCO Applied Sciences (Canada) Ltd., 2305-4464 Markham Street, Victoria , British Columbia V8Z 7X8, Canada , ,
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37
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Anthropogenic noise causes body malformations and delays development in marine larvae. Sci Rep 2013; 3:2831. [PMID: 24088868 PMCID: PMC3789146 DOI: 10.1038/srep02831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the impact of noise on marine fauna at the population level requires knowledge about the vulnerability of different life-stages. Here we provide the first evidence that noise exposure during larval development produces body malformations in marine invertebrates. Scallop larvae exposed to playbacks of seismic pulses showed significant developmental delays and 46% developed body abnormalities. Similar effects were observed in all independent samples exposed to noise while no malformations were found in the control groups (4881 larvae examined). Malformations appeared in the D-veliger larval phase, perhaps due to the cumulative exposure attained by this stage or to a greater vulnerability of D-veliger to sound-mediated physiological or mechanical stress. Such strong impacts suggest that abnormalities and growth delays may also result from lower sound levels or discrete exposures during the D-stage, increasing the potential for routinely-occurring anthropogenic noise sources to affect recruitment of wild scallop larvae in natural stocks.
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McGregor PK, Horn AG, Leonard ML, Thomsen F. Anthropogenic Noise and Conservation. ANIMAL SIGNALS AND COMMUNICATION 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-41494-7_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Nieukirk SL, Mellinger DK, Moore SE, Klinck K, Dziak RP, Goslin J. Sounds from airguns and fin whales recorded in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, 1999-2009. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2012; 131:1102-12. [PMID: 22352485 DOI: 10.1121/1.3672648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Between 1999 and 2009, autonomous hydrophones were deployed to monitor seismic activity from 16° N to 50° N along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. These data were examined for airgun sounds produced during offshore surveys for oil and gas deposits, as well as the 20 Hz pulse sounds from fin whales, which may be masked by airgun noise. An automatic detection algorithm was used to identify airgun sound patterns, and fin whale calling levels were summarized via long-term spectral analysis. Both airgun and fin whale sounds were recorded at all sites. Fin whale calling rates were higher at sites north of 32° N, increased during the late summer and fall months at all sites, and peaked during the winter months, a time when airgun noise was often prevalent. Seismic survey vessels were acoustically located off the coasts of three major areas: Newfoundland, northeast Brazil, and Senegal and Mauritania in West Africa. In some cases, airgun sounds were recorded almost 4000 km from the survey vessel in areas that are likely occupied by fin whales, and at some locations airgun sounds were recorded more than 80% days/month for more than 12 consecutive months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Nieukirk
- Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies, Oregon State University and NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, 2030 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, Oregon 97365, USA.
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40
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Sound-Recording Systems for Measuring Sound Levels During Seismic Surveys. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7311-5_109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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41
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Tyack PL, Zimmer WMX, Moretti D, Southall BL, Claridge DE, Durban JW, Clark CW, D'Amico A, DiMarzio N, Jarvis S, McCarthy E, Morrissey R, Ward J, Boyd IL. Beaked whales respond to simulated and actual navy sonar. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17009. [PMID: 21423729 PMCID: PMC3056662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Beaked whales have mass stranded during some naval sonar exercises, but the cause is unknown. They are difficult to sight but can reliably be detected by listening for echolocation clicks produced during deep foraging dives. Listening for these clicks, we documented Blainville's beaked whales, Mesoplodon densirostris, in a naval underwater range where sonars are in regular use near Andros Island, Bahamas. An array of bottom-mounted hydrophones can detect beaked whales when they click anywhere within the range. We used two complementary methods to investigate behavioral responses of beaked whales to sonar: an opportunistic approach that monitored whale responses to multi-day naval exercises involving tactical mid-frequency sonars, and an experimental approach using playbacks of simulated sonar and control sounds to whales tagged with a device that records sound, movement, and orientation. Here we show that in both exposure conditions beaked whales stopped echolocating during deep foraging dives and moved away. During actual sonar exercises, beaked whales were primarily detected near the periphery of the range, on average 16 km away from the sonar transmissions. Once the exercise stopped, beaked whales gradually filled in the center of the range over 2-3 days. A satellite tagged whale moved outside the range during an exercise, returning over 2-3 days post-exercise. The experimental approach used tags to measure acoustic exposure and behavioral reactions of beaked whales to one controlled exposure each of simulated military sonar, killer whale calls, and band-limited noise. The beaked whales reacted to these three sound playbacks at sound pressure levels below 142 dB re 1 µPa by stopping echolocation followed by unusually long and slow ascents from their foraging dives. The combined results indicate similar disruption of foraging behavior and avoidance by beaked whales in the two different contexts, at exposures well below those used by regulators to define disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L Tyack
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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Gedamke J, Gales N, Frydman S. Assessing risk of baleen whale hearing loss from seismic surveys: The effect of uncertainty and individual variation. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2011; 129:496-506. [PMID: 21303030 DOI: 10.1121/1.3493445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The potential for seismic airgun "shots" to cause acoustic trauma in marine mammals is poorly understood. There are just two empirical measurements of temporary threshold shift (TTS) onset levels from airgun-like sounds in odontocetes. Considering these limited data, a model was developed examining the impact of individual variability and uncertainty on risk assessment of baleen whale TTS from seismic surveys. In each of 100 simulations: 10000 "whales" are assigned TTS onset levels accounting for: inter-individual variation; uncertainty over the population's mean; and uncertainty over weighting of odontocete data to obtain baleen whale onset levels. Randomly distributed whales are exposed to one seismic survey passage with cumulative exposure level calculated. In the base scenario, 29% of whales (5th/95th percentiles of 10%/62%) approached to 1-1.2 km range were exposed to levels sufficient for TTS onset. By comparison, no whales are at risk outside 0.6 km when uncertainty and variability are not considered. Potentially "exposure altering" parameters (movement, avoidance, surfacing, and effective quiet) were also simulated. Until more research refines model inputs, the results suggest a reasonable likelihood that whales at a kilometer or more from seismic surveys could potentially be susceptible to TTS and demonstrate that the large impact uncertainty and variability can have on risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Gedamke
- Australian Marine Mammal Centre, Australian Antarctic Division, 203 Channel Highway, Kingston, Tasmania 7050, Australia.
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CLAUSEN KARINTUBBERT, WAHLBERG MAGNUS, BEEDHOLM KRISTIAN, DERUITER STACY, MADSEN PETERTEGLBERG. CLICK COMMUNICATION IN HARBOUR PORPOISESPHOCOENA PHOCOENA. BIOACOUSTICS 2011. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2011.9753630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Wright AJ, Deak T, Parsons ECM. Size matters: management of stress responses and chronic stress in beaked whales and other marine mammals may require larger exclusion zones. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2010; 63:5-9. [PMID: 20045527 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2009] [Revised: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 11/29/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Marine mammal management traditionally focuses on lethal takes, but non-lethal (or not immediately lethal) impacts of human disturbance, such as prolonged or repeated activation of the stress response, can also have serious conservation implications. The physiological stress response is a life-saving combination of systems and events that maximises the ability of an animal to kill or avoid being killed. However, "chronic stress" is linked to numerous conditions in humans, including coronary disease and infertility. Through examples, including beaked whales and sonar exposure, we discuss increasing human disturbance, mal-adaptive stress responses and chronic stress. Deep-diving and coastal species, and those targeted by whalewatching, may be particularly vulnerable. The various conditions linked with chronic stress in humans would have troubling implications for conservation efforts in endangered species, demands management attention, and may partly explain why some species have not recovered after protective measures (e.g., smaller protected areas) have been put into place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Wright
- National Environmental Research Institute, Department for Arctic Environment, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej, Postboks, Roskilde, Denmark.
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Parsons ECM, Dolman SJ, Jasny M, Rose NA, Simmonds MP, Wright AJ. A critique of the UK's JNCC seismic survey guidelines for minimising acoustic disturbance to marine mammals: best practise? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2009; 58:643-51. [PMID: 19342066 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2008] [Revised: 02/26/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The United Kingdom's statutory conservation agency, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), developed guidelines in 1995 to minimise acoustic disturbance of marine mammals by oil and gas industry seismic surveys. These were the first national guidelines to be developed and have subsequently become the standard, or basis, of international mitigation measures for noise pollution during seismic surveys. However, relatively few aspects of these measures have a firm scientific basis or proven efficacy. Existing guidelines do not offer adequate protection to marine mammals, given the complex propagation of airgun pulses; the difficulty of monitoring in particular the smaller, cryptic, and/or deep-diving species, such as beaked whales and porpoises; limitations in monitoring requirements; lack of baseline data; and other biological and acoustical complications or unknowns. Current guidelines offer a 'common sense' approach to noise mitigation, but in light of recent research and ongoing concerns, they should be updated, with broader measures needed to ensure adequate species protection and to address data gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C M Parsons
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, USA.
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Tashmukhambetov AM, Ioup GE, Ioup JW, Sidorovskaia NA, Newcomb JJ. Three-dimensional seismic array characterization study: experiment and modeling. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2008; 123:4094-4108. [PMID: 18537361 DOI: 10.1121/1.2902185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
In the summer of 2003, the Littoral Acoustic Demonstration Center conducted an acoustic characterization experiment for a 21-element marine seismic exploration airgun array of total volume of 0.0588 m(3) (3590 in.(3)). Two Environmental Acoustic Recording System buoys, one with a desensitized hydrophone, were deployed at a depth of 758 m in a water depth of 990 m, near Green's Canyon in the Gulf of Mexico. Shots over a grid were recorded and calibrated to produce absolute broadband (up to 25 kHz) pressure-time dependencies for a wide range of offsets and arrival angles in the water column. Experimental data are analyzed to obtain maximum received zero-to-peak pressure levels, maximum received sound exposure levels, and pressure levels in 13-octave frequency bands for each shot. Experimental data are quantitatively modeled by using an upgraded version of an underwater acoustic propagation model and seismic source modeling packages for a variety of ranges and arrival angles. Experimental and modeled data show good agreement in absolute pressure amplitudes and frequency interference patterns for frequencies up to 1000 Hz. The analysis is important for investigating the potential impact on marine mammals and fish and predicting the exposure levels for newly planned seismic surveys in other geographic areas.
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MADSEN PETERT. AIR GUN ARRAYS AS NOISE SOURCES: OUTPUT, IMPACT ZONES, AND FREQUENCY CONTENT. BIOACOUSTICS 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/09524622.2008.9753789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Weilgart L. The impacts of anthropogenic ocean noise on cetaceans and implications for management. CAN J ZOOL 2007. [DOI: 10.1139/z07-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Ocean noise pollution is of special concern for cetaceans, as they are highly dependent on sound as their principal sense. Sound travels very efficiently underwater, so the potential area impacted can be thousands of square kilometres or more. The principal anthropogenic noise sources are underwater explosions (nuclear and otherwise), shipping, seismic exploration by mainly the oil and gas industries, and naval sonar operations. Strandings and mortalities of especially beaked whales (family Ziphiidae) have in many cases been conclusively linked to noise events such as naval maneuvers involving tactical sonars or seismic surveys, though other cetacean species may also be involved. The mechanisms behind this mortality are still unknown, but are most likely related to gas and fat emboli at least partially mediated by a behavioral response, such as a change in diving pattern. Estimated received sound levels in these events are typically not high enough to cause hearing damage, implying that the auditory system may not always be the best indicator for noise impacts. Beaked whales are found in small, possibly genetically isolated, local populations that are resident year-round. Thus, even transient and localized acoustic impacts can have prolonged and serious population consequences, as may have occurred following at least one stranding. Populations may also be threatened by noise through reactions such as increased stress levels, abandonment of important habitat, and “masking” or the obscuring of natural sounds. Documented changes in vocal behavior may lead to reductions in foraging efficiency or mating opportunities. Responses are highly variable between species, age classes, behavioral states, etc., making extrapolations problematic. Also, short-term responses may not be good proxies of long-term population-level impacts. There are many examples of apparent tolerance of noise by cetaceans, however. Noise can also affect cetaceans indirectly through their prey. Fish show permanent and temporary hearing loss, reduced catch rates, stress, and behavioral reactions to noise. Management implications of noise impacts include difficulties in establishing “safe” exposure levels, shortcomings of some mitigation tools, the need for precaution in the form of reducing noise levels and distancing noise from biologically important areas, and the role of marine protected areas and monitoring in safeguarding cetaceans especially from cumulative and synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.S. Weilgart
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4J1, Canada (e-mail: )
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NOWACEK DOUGLASP, THORNE LESLEYH, JOHNSTON DAVIDW, TYACK PETERL. Responses of cetaceans to anthropogenic noise. Mamm Rev 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2907.2007.00104.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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