Cetaceans and Naval Sonar: Behavioral Response as a Function of Sonar Frequency
Abstract
Data on the responsiveness of free-ranging cetaceans to mid-frequency sonar signals are lacking, with only a few species having been studied in relation to a few types of sonar signals, mostly SURTASS-LFA (Nowacek et al., 2007). This specific project was initially motivated by observations of possible killer whale (Orcinus orca) reactions to sonars, in the Vestfjord basin of Norway and the USS Shoup incident in Haro Strait in Washington State. While those incidents have not led to observation of strandings or direct mortality, the perceived behavioral changes in response to sonar have negatively impacted the public image of the Navies involved, and may have harmed the stakeholder community that works with killer whales. The high public profile of killer whales and the overlap of their habitats with operational areas make it likely that incidents will continue to occur worldwide. The killer whale population involved in the USS Shoup incident has been listed as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act, which increases the importance of establishing safe guidelines for sonar operations in killer whale habitat.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA531190
Entities
People
- Patrick Miller
Organizations
- University of St Andrews