Instrumentation for and Indices of Marine Mammal Responses to Low Frequency Sound.
Abstract
Our objective was to develop instrumentation capable of remotely monitoring behavioral and physiological variables from marine mammals. A stomach temperature telemeter (STT) which transmits to a receiver in the animal mounted data logger was developed for recording prey ingestion events. Feeding studies demonstrated that with proper calibration, the STT system can indicate the timing of prey ingestion and can also be used to estimate the quantity of prey ingestion. A heart beat detector/telemeter and receiving module was developed and found to be suitable for recording heart rate from northern elephant seals, California and Steller sea lions, and harbor porpoise. We developed and successfully tested at sea a device for the remote release and retrieval of data loggers. Our custom data loggers and sensors have been successfully applied to a study of the at-sea behavior and physiology of northern elephant seals. During migration, the patterns of dive depth, swim speed, and heart rate are fairly predictable. Therefore, these variables should be good indices of disturbance responses. In the lab, the heart rate response to various threat stimuli is one of dramatic bradycardia, which should be a good response index.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA306076
Entities
People
- David R Jones
Organizations
- University of British Columbia