A Study on the Relationships Between Anthropogenic Sounds, Whale Sounds and Behavior and Physiology of Free-Swimming Whales
Abstract
To study the relationships of anthropogenic sounds to specific aspects of whale behavior and physiology. Further, how low frequency sounds might negatively affect these parameters and habitat- use patterns. Refine and apply multi-sensor radio/satellite telemetry/data logging tags (MST-VHF and MST-SAT tags developed under a previous ONR grant) to free-swimming whales and use them as the key tools to test for and evaluate specific affects of anthropogenic sound sources. The MST-VHF and MST-SAT tags record one or several of the following parameters which are then downloaded directly by serial cable or via telemetry: heart rate, speed, roll, yaw, depth, sound, temperature, and others. Extent and rate of change in one or more of these parameters of a tagged whale were to be compared under "control"--no anthropogenic sounds, and "test" conditions--anthropogenic noise present e.g. from ships, research sources, fisheries, and others. Repeatable-measured patterns of change in response to characterized sounds simultaneously recorded using gear aboard independent platforms nearby would provide evidence that whales are affected by certain anthropogenic sounds. Negative affects would be interpreted as directly observed departures from associated sound stimuli and/or statistically significant shifts in the activity budget of animals compared with the normal or control condition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA421718
Entities
People
- Jeffrey Goodyear
Organizations
- University of British Columbia