BRS4PCoD: Integrating the results of Behavioral Response Studies into models of the Population Consequences of Disturbance
Abstract
Extensive research effort has been dedicated to quantifying the responses of individual marine mammals following exposure to either natural signals or anthropogenic noise within the context of behavioral response studies (BRSs). Many of these studies have focused on quantifying behavioral responsese to military sonars, within increasingly realistic scenarios. There has also been extensive effort occurring in parallel to develop models for the population consequenses of disturbance (PCoD) and major progress has been made on many fronts. However, a formal exploration of how to best integrate BRS results within the PCoD framework is lacking. This proposa"l directly addresses this need. In the ""BRS4PCoD"" project, we propose to focus on Eastern North Pacific blue whales, a unique case s"tudy for which both BRS data and a PCoD model exist, to bridge this critical research gap. Using the results of a dedicated BRS, we will develop context-dependent dose-response relationships for blue whales exposed to sonar sources and investigate how to best use them within the PCoD model for the corresponding population. This integration will allow us to assess patterns of exposure and behavioral response, and identify the key behavioral and contextual variables that BRSs need to measure to inform PCoD models. In addition to providing a better understanding of the potential effects of sonar exposure on the Eastern North Pacific blue whale population, our results will guide the effective design of future BRSs, inform the ongoign development of BRS results in the estimation of any long-term population-level consequence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 15, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912464
Entities
People
- Enrico Pirotta
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Washington State University