Taking a deeper dive into Cuviers beaked whale population consequences of disturbance
Abstract
The Southern California Tactical Training Range (SCTTR) is one of the most heavily used mid-frequency active sonar (MFAS) ranges globally. Despite this, Cuvier#s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) are present there year-round. Although strandings of Cuvier#s beaked whales in the SCTTR are extremely rare, research has shown that MFAS leads to changes in individual whale behavior in this region. The extent to which these changes have lasting consequences for individual and population health is uncertain but relevant to thedetermination of negligible impact for the activities proposed by the Navy in the SCTTR. Population consequences of disturbance (PCoD) models provide a framework for integrating individual behavioral responses to MFAS, estimating effects on individual health and fitness, and ultimately assessing changes in population dynamics. In this project, we will expand upon prior PCoD modeling efforts for SCTTR Cuvier#s beaked whales using diverse data streams from nearly two decades of data collection and analysis. First, we will use sighting and photo-ID data to quantify the differential residency of individuals in the SCTTR. Understanding individual residencywill then support the examination of movement patterns of transient and resident animals, their responses to sonar activities, and their aggregate exposure levels, which will be validated using sonar exposures from tag deployments. Moreover, we will use biologging and acoustic data to investigate metrics of foraging success and characterize the quality of the habitat beaked whales use throughout the SCTTR. Results will be integrated into a next generation PCoD model that uses cutting-edge analytical methods to more accurately predict impacts of changing MFAS regimes and environmental conditions on the population dynamics of SCTTR Cuvier#s beaked whales.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 08, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412526
Entities
People
- Gregory S Schorr
Organizations
- Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy