Cetaceans and Naval Sonar: Behavioral Response as a Function of Sonar Frequency
Abstract
The current research program, begun 01 July 2008, seeks to more fully quantify behavioral response of cetaceans to sonar as a function of the frequency band utilized by the sonar. A second objective of the research program is to continue to monitor the movements and behavior of killer whales in relation to future FLOTEX naval exercises, if possible. The project is motivated both by the applied need to assess the environmental impact of a new lower-frequency sonar system and the basic science question of the influence of sonar frequency on behavioral effects on marine mammals. We seek to test the prediction that the aversive-ness, or behavioral impact, of a sound should be influenced by the hearing sensitivities of species at the relevant sonar frequency. For species where little information is available on hearing sensitivities, behavioral responsiveness as a function of frequency will provide quantitative data on the effect of frequency.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA542052
Entities
People
- Patrick Miller
Organizations
- University of St Andrews