Understanding the impacts of anthropogenic sound on beaked whales

Cox, Tara; Ragen, Timothy J.; Read, Andrew J.; Vos, E.; Baird, Robin W.; Balcomb, Kenneth C.; Barlow, Jay; Caldwell, JM; Cranford, Ted W.; Crum, Lawrence A.; D’Amico, Angela; D’Spain, Gerald L.; Fernández, Antonio; Finneran, James J.; Gentry, Roger L.; Gerth, W.; Gulland, Frances M. D.; Hildebrand, John A.; Houser, Dorian S.; Hullar, T.; Jepson, Paul D.; Ketten, Darlene R.; MacLeod, Colin D.; Miller, Patrick J. O.; Moore, Stephanie K.; Mountain, David C.; Palka, Debra L.; Ponganis, Paul J.; Rommel, Sentiel A.; Rowles, Teri; Taylor, Barbara L.; Tyack, Peter L.; Wartzok, Douglas; Gisiner, Robert; Mead, James G.; Benner, L.

doi:10.47536/jcrm.v7i3.729

Cited by 265 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…Despite the quality issues, the PSO reports provided a robust and unequalled dataset for GOM that can be used for ongoing research, assessment, management and regulatory planning. Based on data collected by PSOs during 2002-2015 seismic surveys in the GOM, nearly all species groupings were observed farther away from active versus silent airguns, indicating a potential for avoidance behavior similar to those documented in other studies for seismic surveys [15,31,32,34,35] and other anthropogenic sources [39][40][41][42].…”

Section: Conclusion and Recommendationssupporting

confidence: 56%

“…Unlike the combined mid-frequency group, beaked whales showed no significant difference between CPAs during full power versus silent airgun operations. However, as a group, they have shown particular sensitivity to disturbance [42, 43] and higher frequency auditory sensitivities and vocalizations when compared to the broader mid-frequency group [36,41]. In comparison to all other groups analyzed, beaked whales have the largest mean CPA distance (2,090 m) for all airgun activities combined.…”

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

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Analysis of protected species observer data: Strengths, weaknesses, and application in the assessment of marine mammal responses to seismic surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico 2002–2015

Barkaszi,

Kelly

2024

PLoS ONE

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Visual observation data collected by protected species observers (PSOs) is required per regulations stipulated in Notices to Lessees (NTLs) and geophysical survey Permits (Form BOEM-0328) issued to seismic operators in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Here, data collected by certified and trained PSOs during seismic surveys conducted between 2002–2015 were compiled and analyzed to assess utility in assessing marine mammal responses to seismic noise and effectiveness of required mitigation measures. A total of 3,886 agency-required bi-weekly PSO Effort and Sightings reports were analyzed comprising 598,319 hours of PSO visual effort and 15,117 visual sighting records of marine mammals. The observed closest point of approach (CPA) distance was statistically compared across five species groupings for four airgun activity levels (full, minimum source, ramp up, silent). Whale and dolphin detections were significantly farther from airgun array locations during full power operations versus silence, indicating some avoidance response to full-power operations. Dolphin CPA distances were also significantly farther from airguns operating at minimum source than silence. Blackfish were observed significantly farther from the airgun array during ramp up versus both full and minimum source activities. Blackfish were observed significantly closer to the airgun array during silent activities versus at full, minimum source, and ramp up activities. Beaked whales had the largest mean CPA for detection distance compared to all other species groups. Detection distances for beaked whales were not significantly differences between full and silent operations; however, the sample size was very low. Overall results are consistent with other studies indicating that marine mammals may avoid exposure to airgun sounds based on observed distance from the seismic source during specified source activities. There was geographic variability in sighting rates associated with specific areas of interest within the GOM. This study demonstrates that agency required PSO reports provide a robust and useful data set applicable to impact assessments; management, policy and regulatory decision making; and qualitative input for regional scientific, stock assessment and abundance studies. However, several improvements in content and consistency would facilitate finer-scale analysis of some topics (e.g., effort associated with specific activities, observer biases, sound field estimation) and support statistical comparisons that could provide further insight into marine mammal responses and mitigation efficacy.

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Section: Conclusion and Recommendationssupporting

confidence: 56%

Section: Plos Onementioning

confidence: 99%

Analysis of protected species observer data: Strengths, weaknesses, and application in the assessment of marine mammal responses to seismic surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico 2002–2015

Barkaszi,

Kelly

2024

PLoS ONE

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“…Along with the addition of prey measurements, a consideration of human impacts could provide a more complete explanation for fluctuations in Cuvier's beaked whales in the SCB region. Cuvier's beaked whales have clear behavioral responses to increased anthropogenic noise (Cox et al, 2006;D'Amico et al, 2009;Filadelfo et al, 2009). Cuvier's beaked whales may leave the area and end foraging dives prematurely, suffer injury from ascending to the surface too quickly, or experience tissue damage when exposed to loud, anthropogenic sounds such as Mid-Frequency Active Sonar (MFAS) (Cox et al, 2006).…”

Section: Additional Considerations and Future Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cuvier's beaked whales have clear behavioral responses to increased anthropogenic noise (Cox et al, 2006;D'Amico et al, 2009;Filadelfo et al, 2009). Cuvier's beaked whales may leave the area and end foraging dives prematurely, suffer injury from ascending to the surface too quickly, or experience tissue damage when exposed to loud, anthropogenic sounds such as Mid-Frequency Active Sonar (MFAS) (Cox et al, 2006). With both sites within the US Navy's Southern California Range Complex, incorporating anthropogenic noise impacts into subsequent analyses could help further explain the variability in presence at these sites.…”

Section: Additional Considerations and Future Workmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This region also features the United States Navy's Southern California Anti-Submarine Warfare Range (SOAR), utilized by the US military for regular training exercises (Falcone et al, 2009;. Cuvier's beaked whales are sensitive to anthropogenic sound, with sublethal consequences in response to midfrequency active sonar (MFAS) (Cox et al, 2006;Falcone et al, 2017;D'Amico et al, 2009;Filadelfo et al, 2009). Tagging studies in the region demonstrated that Cuvier's beaked whales inhabiting the SOAR changed their diving behaviors in response to the use of MFAS (Falcone et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cuvier's Beaked Whale Presence Relative to Vertical and Temporal Variability of Oceanographic Conditions in the Southern California Bight

Schoenbeck,

Solsona-Berga,

Franks

et al. 2024

Preprint

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The oceanographic conditions of the Southern California Bight (SCB) dictate the distribution and abundance of prey resources and therefore the presence of mobile predators, such as Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris). Cuvier’s beaked whales are deep-diving odontocetes that spend a majority of their time foraging at depth. Due to their cryptic behavior, little is known about how they respond to seasonal and interannual changes in their environment. This study utilizes passive acoustic data recorded from two sites within the SCB to explore the oceanographic conditions that Cuvier’s beaked whales appear to favor. Utilizing optimum multiparameter analysis, modeled temperature and salinity data are used to identify and quantify these source waters: Pacific Subarctic Upper Water (PSUW), Pacific Equatorial Water (PEW), and Eastern North Pacific Central Water (ENPCW). The interannual and seasonal variability in Cuvier’s beaked whale presence was related to the variability in El Niño Southern Oscillation events and the fraction and vertical distribution of the three source waters. Cuvier’s beaked whale acoustic presence was highest during the winter and spring and decreased during the late summer and early fall. These seasonal increases occurred at times of increased fractions of PEW in the California Undercurrent and decreased fractions of ENPCW in surface waters. Interannual increases in Cuvier’s beaked whale presence occurred during El Niño events. These results establish a baseline understanding of the oceanographic characteristics that correlate with Cuvier’s beaked whale presence in the SCB. Furthering our knowledge of this elusive species is key to understanding how anthropogenic activities impact Cuvier’s beaked whales.

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Conservation management of common dolphins: Lessons learned from the North‐East Atlantic

Murphy

Evans

Pinn

et al. 2019

Aquatic Conservation

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1. The short-beaked common dolphin is one of the most numerous cetacean species in the North-East Atlantic and plays a key functional role within the ecosystem as a top predator. However, in 2013, its conservation status for the European Marine Atlantic, under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive, was assessed as 'Unfavourable-Inadequate'. Of key concern for this species is fishery bycatch, with pollution also being an issue. There are, however, major knowledge gaps concerning the extent of the effects of such pressures on the species.2. Implementation of national observer bycatch programmes and bycatch mitigation measures under EC Regulation 812/2004 has been important. The responsibility for this is currently being transferred to the EU fisheries Data Collection Framework and Technical Measures Framework, the potential advantages and disadvantages of which are discussed. Collection of data and samples through national stranding schemes in some countries has enabled assessments of life-history parameters, dietary requirements, and the effects of stressors such as pollutants. Nevertheless, in order to improve the conservation status of the North-EastAtlantic population, a number of key actions are still required. These include the implementation of a species action plan, finalization of a management framework procedure for bycatch, and coordination between member states of monitoring programmes. It is important that there is monitoring of the state of the common dolphin population in the North-East Atlantic management unit through regular surveys spanning the range of the management unit, as well as continued assessment of the independent and interactive effects of multiple stressors. Above all, conservation status would be improved through application and enforcement of existing legislation in European waters. 4. This paper provides a summary of the current state of our knowledge of common dolphins in the North-East Atlantic along with recommendations for conservation management that may also be relevant to the species in the Mediterranean Sea.

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Understanding the impacts of anthropogenic sound on beaked whales

Cited by 265 publications

References 38 publications

Analysis of protected species observer data: Strengths, weaknesses, and application in the assessment of marine mammal responses to seismic surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico 2002–2015

Analysis of protected species observer data: Strengths, weaknesses, and application in the assessment of marine mammal responses to seismic surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico 2002–2015

Cuvier's Beaked Whale Presence Relative to Vertical and Temporal Variability of Oceanographic Conditions in the Southern California Bight

Conservation management of common dolphins: Lessons learned from the North‐East Atlantic

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