Measuring heart rate to assess the stress response in large whales

Abstract

The proposed research will develop and implement the technology needed to measure heart rate of large, free-ranging whales in order to assess the stress response associated with anthropogenic stimuli and acoustic disturbrance. Specifically, we will systematically and experimentally test different tag and sensor designs to optimize digital electrocardiogram (dECG) signals. We will explore multiple combinations of suction cup and electrode size, as well as the material properties of the suction cup, all of which predictable influence dECG signals. Different tag designs will be tested on large whales in the open ocean and resultant dECG signals will be analyzed in a comparative context. These data will enhance the technological approaches available to monitor the baseline physiological processes of large whales and the changes in cardiac physiology that occur from anthropogenic disturbance.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Aug 15, 2019
Source ID
N000141912455

Entities

People

  • Jeremy A. Goldbogen

Organizations

  • Office of Naval Research
  • Stanford University
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Marine Mammal Biology
  • Systems Analysis and Design