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Branstetter BK, Nease K, Accomando AW, Davenport J, Felice M, Peters K, Robeck T. Temporal integration of tone signals by a killer whale (Orcinus orca). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 154:3906-3915. [PMID: 38117126 DOI: 10.1121/10.0023956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
A psychophysical procedure was used to measure pure-tone detection thresholds for a killer whale (Orcinus orca) as a function of both signal frequency and signal duration. Frequencies ranged between 1 and 100 kHz and signal durations ranged from 50 μs to 2 s, depending on the frequency. Detection thresholds decreased with an increase in signal duration up to a critical duration, which represents the auditory integration time. Integration times ranged from 4 ms at 100 kHz and increased up to 241 ms at 1 kHz. The killer whale data are similar to other odontocete species that have participated in similar experiments. The results have implications for noise impact predictions for signals with durations less than the auditory integration time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Branstetter
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, #204, San Diego, California 92106, USA
- Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific, 528 Makalapa Drive, Suite 100, Honolulu, Hawaii 96860, USA
| | - Kayla Nease
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, #204, San Diego, California 92106, USA
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California 92109, USA
| | - Alyssa W Accomando
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive, #204, San Diego, California 92106, USA
- Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego, California 92152, USA
| | - Jennifer Davenport
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California 92109, USA
| | - Michael Felice
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California 92109, USA
| | - Ken Peters
- SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California 92109, USA
| | - Todd Robeck
- SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, Florida 21821, USA
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2
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Tougaard J, Beedholm K, Madsen PT. Thresholds for noise induced hearing loss in harbor porpoises and phocid seals. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:4252. [PMID: 35778178 DOI: 10.1121/10.0011560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intense sound sources, such as pile driving, airguns, and military sonars, have the potential to inflict hearing loss in marine mammals and are, therefore, regulated in many countries. The most recent criteria for noise induced hearing loss are based on empirical data collected until 2015 and recommend frequency-weighted and species group-specific thresholds to predict the onset of temporary threshold shift (TTS). Here, evidence made available after 2015 in light of the current criteria for two functional hearing groups is reviewed. For impulsive sounds (from pile driving and air guns), there is strong support for the current threshold for very high frequency cetaceans, including harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Less strong support also exists for the threshold for phocid seals in water, including harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). For non-impulsive sounds, there is good correspondence between exposure functions and empirical thresholds below 10 kHz for porpoises (applicable to assessment and regulation of military sonars) and between 3 and 16 kHz for seals. Above 10 kHz for porpoises and outside of the range 3-16 kHz for seals, there are substantial differences (up to 35 dB) between the predicted thresholds for TTS and empirical results. These discrepancies call for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Tougaard
- Department of Ecoscience, Marine Mammal Research, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Kristian Beedholm
- Department of Biology, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Peter T Madsen
- Department of Biology, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
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van Geel NCF, Risch D, Wittich A. A brief overview of current approaches for underwater sound analysis and reporting. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 178:113610. [PMID: 35468578 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Soundscapes have substantially changed since the industrial revolution and in response to biodiversity loss and climate change. Human activities such as shipping, resource exploration and offshore construction alter natural ecosystems through sound, which can impact marine species in complex ways. The study of underwater sound is multi-disciplinary, spanning the fields of acoustics, physics, animal physiology and behaviour to marine ecology and conservation. These different backgrounds have led to the use of various disparate terms, metrics, and summary statistics, which can hamper comparisons between studies. Different types of equipment, analytical pathways, and reporting can lead to different results for the same sound source, with implications for impact assessments. For meaningful comparisons and derivation of appropriate thresholds, mitigation, and management approaches, it is necessary to develop common standards. This paper presents a brief overview of acoustic metrics, analysis approaches and reporting standards used in the context of long-term monitoring of soundscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke C F van Geel
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, United Kingdom.
| | - Denise Risch
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Anja Wittich
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban, Argyll, PA37 1QA, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Sweeney SO, Terhune JM, Frouin-Mouy H, Rouget PA. Assessing potential perception of shipping noise by marine mammals in an arctic inlet. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:2310. [PMID: 35461473 DOI: 10.1121/10.0009956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Shipping is increasing in Arctic regions, exposing marine mammals to increased underwater noise. Noise analyses often use unweighted broadband sound pressure levels (SPL) to assess noise impacts, but this does not account for the animals' hearing abilities at different frequencies. In 2018 and 2019, noise levels were recorded at five and three sites, respectively, along a shipping route in an inlet of Northern Baffin Island, Canada. Broadband SPLs (10 Hz-25 kHz), unweighted and with auditory weighing functions from three marine mammal groups, were compared between times ore carriers (travelling < 9 knots) were present or absent. Clearly audible distances of shipping noise and exposure durations were estimated for each weighting function relative to vessel direction, orientation, and year. Auditory weighting functions had significant effects on the potential perception of shipping noise. Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) experienced similar SPLs to unweighted levels. Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) and ringed seals (Pusa hispida) experienced lower SPLs. Narwhals were unlikely to clearly perceive shipping noise unless ships were in close proximity (<3 km) and ambient noise levels were low. Detectability propagation models of presumed noise exposure from shipping must be based on the hearing sensitivities of each species group when assessing noise impacts on marine mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel O Sweeney
- Golder Associates Ltd., Victoria, British Columbia, V9A 0B7, Canada
| | - John M Terhune
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
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Marotte E, Wright AJ, Breeze H, Wingfield J, Matthews LP, Risch D, Merchant ND, Barclay D, Evers C, Lawson J, Lesage V, Moors-Murphy H, Nolet V, Theriault JA. Recommended metrics for quantifying underwater noise impacts on North Atlantic right whales. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113361. [PMID: 35077924 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic underwater noise has been identified as a potentially serious stressor for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale (NARW). The Government of Canada is undertaking steps to better characterize the noise sources of most concern and their associated impacts, but there is currently an insufficient understanding of which noise sources are most impacting NARW in their Canadian habitat. This knowledge gap together with the myriad possible methods and metrics for quantifying underwater noise presents a confounding and challenging problem that risks delaying timely mitigation. This study presents the results from a 2020 workshop aimed at developing a series of metrics recommended specifically for better characterizing the types of noise deemed of greatest concern for NARW in Canadian waters. The recommendations provide a basis for more targeted research on noise impacts and set the stage for more effective management and protection of NARW, with potential conservation applications to similar species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmaline Marotte
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Andrew J Wright
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada.
| | - Heather Breeze
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Jessica Wingfield
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Leanna P Matthews
- Sound Science Research Collective, 5305 N. Douglas Highway, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
| | - Denise Risch
- Scottish Association for Marine Science, Oban PA37 1QA, Scotland, UK
| | - Nathan D Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, Suffolk, UK
| | - David Barclay
- Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Clair Evers
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Jack Lawson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, 80 East White Hills Road, St. John's, NL A1C 5X1, Canada
| | - Veronique Lesage
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, P.O. Box 1000, 850 route de la Mer, Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Hilary Moors-Murphy
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Veronique Nolet
- Transport Canada, Innovation Centre, 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0N5, Canada
| | - James A Theriault
- Ocean Environmental Consulting, 9 Ravine Park Crescent, Halifax, NS B3M 4S6, Canada
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Song X, Zhang X, Xiong W, Guo Z, Wang B. Experimental and numerical study on underwater noise radiation from an underwater tunnel. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115536. [PMID: 32892019 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The hydro-acoustic noise radiating from underwater tunnels during vehicle passage may be harmful to aquatic fauna, and this is a particular concern for endangered species. Therefore, the effects of underwater noise radiation and propagation on aquatic biodiversity must be investigated. In this study, the dynamic response of the sediment and tunnel structure in the Yangtze River in China was explored by conducting a field test, and the associated noise radiation from the tunnel was recorded and investigated. A three-dimensional numerical model was then developed to simulate the vibration of the tunnel-sediment coupling system induced by random traffic-flow models. Next, a modal acoustic transfer vector-based method was used to predict underwater noise radiation by use of a three-dimensional finite-element acoustic model. Finally, the accuracy of the simulated results was verified by comparison with measurements. The results showed that the noise radiation induced by passing vehicles was approximately 14 dB greater than the background noise, with a main frequency range of 12-25 Hz. The random traffic-flow model had obvious influence of the simulated noise level above 20 Hz. Vehicle-induced underwater noise may thus have a direct effect on fish species that can perceive low-frequency sound pressure. The proposed method can be used for further investigation of methods to reduce the effect of underwater noise on aquatic fauna, especially endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Song
- School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
| | - Xuguang Zhang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.
| | - Wen Xiong
- School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Zhiming Guo
- Nanjing Public Work Construction Center, Nanjing, 210019, China.
| | - Bao Wang
- School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
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Abstract
The growing demand for renewable energy supply stimulates a drastic increase in the deployment rate of offshore wind energy. Offshore wind power generators are usually supported by large foundation piles that are driven into the seabed with hydraulic impact hammers or vibratory devices. The pile installation process, which is key to the construction of every new wind farm, is hindered by a serious by-product: the underwater noise pollution. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art computational methods to predict the underwater noise emission by the installation of foundation piles offshore including the available noise mitigation strategies. Future challenges in the field are identified under the prism of the ever-increasing size of wind turbines and the emerging pile driving technologies.
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Schaffeld T, Schnitzler JG, Ruser A, Woelfing B, Baltzer J, Siebert U. Effects of multiple exposures to pile driving noise on harbor porpoise hearing during simulated flights-An evaluation tool. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 147:685. [PMID: 32113263 DOI: 10.1121/10.0000595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Exploitation of renewable energy from offshore wind farms is substantially increasing worldwide. The majority of wind turbines are bottom mounted, causing high levels of impulsive noise during construction. To prevent temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in harbor porpoise hearing, single strike sound exposure levels (SELSS) are restricted in Germany by law to a maximum of 160 dB re 1 μPa2s at a distance of 750 m from the sound source. Underwater recordings of pile driving strikes, recorded during the construction of an offshore wind farm in the German North Sea, were analyzed. Using a simulation approach, it was tested whether a TTS can still be induced under current protective regulations by multiple exposures. The evaluation tool presented here can be easily adjusted for different sound propagation, acoustic signals, or species and enables one to calculate a minimum deterrence distance. Based on this simulation approach, only the combination of SELSS regulation, previous deterrence, and soft start allow harbor porpoises to avoid a TTS from multiple exposures. However, deterrence efficiency has to be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schaffeld
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, D-25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Joseph G Schnitzler
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, D-25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Andreas Ruser
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, D-25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Benno Woelfing
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, D-25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Johannes Baltzer
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, D-25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstrasse 6, D-25761 Buesum, Germany
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Cotter E, Murphy P, Bassett C, Williamson B, Polagye B. Acoustic characterization of sensors used for marine environmental monitoring. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 144:205-215. [PMID: 31179990 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.04.079] [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: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Active acoustic sensors are widely used in oceanographic and environmental studies. Although many have nominal operating frequencies above the range of marine mammal hearing, they can produce out-of-band sound that may be audible to marine mammals. Acoustic emissions from four active acoustic transducers were characterized and compared to marine mammal hearing thresholds. All four transducers had nominal operating frequencies above the reported upper limit of marine mammal hearing, but produced measurable sound below 160 kHz. A spatial map of the acoustic emissions of each sonar is used to evaluate potential effects on marine mammal hearing when the transducer is continuously operated from a stationary platform. Based on the cumulative sound exposure level metric, the acoustic emissions from the transducers are unlikely to cause temporary threshold shifts in marine mammals, but could affect animal behavior. The extent of audibility is estimated to be, at most, on the order of 100 m.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Cotter
- University of Washington Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Way, Box 352600, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Paul Murphy
- University of Washington Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Way, Box 352600, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Christopher Bassett
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington, 1013 NE 40(th) St, Box 355640, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
| | - Benjamin Williamson
- Environmental Research Institute, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), Ormlie Road, Thurso KW14 7EE, UK; School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK.
| | - Brian Polagye
- University of Washington Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Way, Box 352600, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Leunissen EM, Dawson SM. Underwater noise levels of pile-driving in a New Zealand harbour, and the potential impacts on endangered Hector's dolphins. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:195-204. [PMID: 30301031 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Impact pile-driving generates loud underwater anthropogenic sounds, and is routinely conducted in harbours around the world. Surprisingly few studies of these sounds and their propagation are published in the primary literature. To partially redress this we studied pile-driving sounds in Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand, during wharf reconstruction after earthquake damage. That Lyttelton harbour is routinely used by Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori), an endangered species found only in New Zealand, provided further context for this study. Steel piles of 0.61 or 0.71 m diameter were driven using three different pile-drivers. Maximum calculated source SEL was 192 dB re 1 μPa2s @ 1 m (SPL0-p of 213 dB re 1 μPa @ 1 m). Propagation of piling noise was strongly influenced by harbour bathymetry and a rock breakwater near the piling operation. We calculated range estimates at which Hector's dolphins may suffer temporary hearing threshold shift and behavioural change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Leunissen
- Marine Science Department, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Stephen M Dawson
- Marine Science Department, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin, New Zealand.
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