Effect of Low Frequency Sound on Seasonal Foraging Ecology and Diving Behavior of the New Zealand Fur Seal.
Abstract
Seasonal diving behavior is described for the New Zealand fur seal, Arctocephalus forsteri, off the west coast of South Island, New Zealand. Eighteen female fur seals were successfiilly instrumented with microprocessor Time Depth Recorders (TDR). The maximum depth of dive recorded was to 274 m for a duration of 5 - 7 min and a bottom time of 1.0 min in May 1994. The longest recorded dive was for 11.17 min for a 237+ m dive in July 1992. The mean depth, duration and bottom time for all dives recorded were 38.0 m, 1.6 min and 0.63 min respectively (s.e. + or - 0.26 m, + or - 0.008 min, + or - 0.004 min,- n = 34,955 dives). The mean depth, duration and bottom time for dives > or = 6 m depth were 53.4 m, 2.2 min, and 0.88 min respectively (s.e. + or - 0.33 m, + or - 0.01 min, + or - 0.006 min; n = 24,319 dives). There was considerable variation in dive behavior between individual females foraging at the same time of year. Nevertheless, females tend to dive deeper and longer in autumn and winter as opposed to summer. Because of the individual variation in dive behavior observed, it would be difficult to identify changes in dive behavior caused specifically by the introduction of low frequency sound in the environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 17, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA300892
Entities
People
- Robert H. Mattlin
Organizations
- San José State University