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Feyrer LJ, Stanistreet JE, Moors-Murphy HB. Navigating the unknown: assessing anthropogenic threats to beaked whales, family Ziphiidae. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 11:240058. [PMID: 38633351 PMCID: PMC11021932 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.240058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
This review comprehensively evaluates the impacts of anthropogenic threats on beaked whales (Ziphiidae)-a taxonomic group characterized by cryptic biology, deep dives and remote offshore habitat, which have challenged direct scientific observation. By synthesizing information published in peer-reviewed studies and grey literature, we identified available evidence of impacts across 14 threats for each Ziphiidae species. Threats were assessed based on their pathways of effects on individuals, revealing many gaps in scientific understanding of the risks faced by beaked whales. By applying a comprehensive taxon-level analysis, we found evidence that all beaked whale species are affected by multiple stressors, with climate change, entanglement and plastic pollution being the most common threats documented across beaked whale species. Threats assessed as having a serious impact on individuals included whaling, military sonar, entanglement, depredation, vessel strikes, plastics and oil spills. This review emphasizes the urgent need for targeted research to address a range of uncertainties, including cumulative and population-level impacts. Understanding the evidence and pathways of the effects of stressors on individuals can support future assessments, guide practical mitigation strategies and advance current understanding of anthropogenic impacts on rare and elusive marine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Feyrer
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, Nova ScotiaB2Y 4A2, Canada
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova ScotiaB3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Joy E. Stanistreet
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, Nova ScotiaB2Y 4A2, Canada
| | - Hilary B. Moors-Murphy
- Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, Nova ScotiaB2Y 4A2, Canada
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2
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Fernandez-Betelu O, Graham IM, Malcher F, Webster E, Cheong SH, Wang L, Iorio-Merlo V, Robinson S, Thompson PM. Characterising underwater noise and changes in harbour porpoise behaviour during the decommissioning of an oil and gas platform. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116083. [PMID: 38340374 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Many man-made marine structures (MMS) will have to be decommissioned in the coming decades. While studies on the impacts of construction of MMS on marine mammals exist, no research has been done on the effects of their decommissioning. The complete removal of an oil and gas platform in Scotland in 2021 provided an opportunity to investigate the response of harbour porpoises to decommissioning. Arrays of broadband noise recorders and echolocation detectors were used to describe noise characteristics produced by decommissioning activities and assess porpoise behaviour. During decommissioning, sound pressure spectral density levels in the frequency range 100 Hz to 48 kHz were 30-40 dB higher than baseline, with vessel presence being the main source of noise. The study detected small-scale (< 2 km) and short-term porpoise displacement during decommissioning, with porpoise occurrence increasing immediately after this. These findings can inform the consenting process for future decommissioning projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oihane Fernandez-Betelu
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen IV11 8YL, United Kingdom.
| | - Isla M Graham
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen IV11 8YL, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Malcher
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Webster
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Sei-Him Cheong
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Lian Wang
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Virginia Iorio-Merlo
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen IV11 8YL, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Robinson
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen IV11 8YL, United Kingdom
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3
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Todd NRE, Kavanagh AS, Rogan E, Jessopp MJ. What the F-POD? Comparing the F-POD and C-POD for monitoring of harbor porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10186. [PMID: 37304366 PMCID: PMC10256617 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a cost-effective method for monitoring cetacean populations compared with techniques such as aerial and ship-based surveys. The Cetacean POrpoise Detector (C-POD) has become an integral tool in monitoring programs globally for over a decade, providing standardized metrics of occurrence that can be compared across time and space. However, the phasing out of C-PODs following the development of the new Full waveform capture POD (F-POD) with increased sensitivity, improved train detection, and reduced false-positive rates represents an important methodological change in data collection, particularly when being introduced into existing monitoring programs. Here, we compare the performance of the C-POD with that of its successor, the F-POD, co-deployed in a field setting for 15 months, to monitor harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). While similar temporal trends in detections were found for both devices, the C-POD detected only 58% of the detection-positive minutes (DPM), recorded by the F-POD. Differences in detection rates were not consistent through time making it difficult to apply a correction factor or directly compare results obtained from the two PODs. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to test whether these differences in detection rates would have an effect on analyses of temporal patterns and environmental drivers of occurrence. No differences were found in seasonal patterns or the environmental correlates of porpoise occurrence (month, diel period, temperature, environmental noise, and tide). However, the C-POD failed to detect sufficient foraging rates to identify temporal patterns in foraging behavior, which were shown by the F-POD. Our results suggest that the switch to F-PODs will have little effect on determining broad-scale seasonal patterns of occurrence but may improve our understanding of fine-scale behaviors such as foraging. We highlight how care must be taken interpreting F-POD results as indicative of increased occurrence when used in time-series analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Rose Eileen Todd
- MaREI CentreEnvironmental Research Institute, University College CorkCorkIreland
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES)University College CorkCorkIreland
| | | | - Emer Rogan
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES)University College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Mark John Jessopp
- MaREI CentreEnvironmental Research Institute, University College CorkCorkIreland
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES)University College CorkCorkIreland
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4
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Amundin M, Carlström J, Thomas L, Carlén I, Teilmann J, Tougaard J, Loisa O, Kyhn LA, Sveegaard S, Burt ML, Pawliczka I, Koza R, Arciszewski B, Galatius A, Laaksonlaita J, MacAuley J, Wright AJ, Gallus A, Dähne M, Acevedo‐Gutiérrez A, Benke H, Koblitz J, Tregenza N, Wennerberg D, Brundiers K, Kosecka M, Tiberi Ljungqvist C, Jussi I, Jabbusch M, Lyytinen S, Šaškov A, Blankett P. Estimating the abundance of the critically endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena) population using passive acoustic monitoring. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e8554. [PMID: 35222950 PMCID: PMC8858216 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowing the abundance of a population is a crucial component to assess its conservation status and develop effective conservation plans. For most cetaceans, abundance estimation is difficult given their cryptic and mobile nature, especially when the population is small and has a transnational distribution. In the Baltic Sea, the number of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) has collapsed since the mid-20th century and the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and HELCOM; however, its abundance remains unknown. Here, one of the largest ever passive acoustic monitoring studies was carried out by eight Baltic Sea nations to estimate the abundance of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise for the first time. By logging porpoise echolocation signals at 298 stations during May 2011-April 2013, calibrating the loggers' spatial detection performance at sea, and measuring the click rate of tagged individuals, we estimated an abundance of 71-1105 individuals (95% CI, point estimate 491) during May-October within the population's proposed management border. The small abundance estimate strongly supports that the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise is facing an extremely high risk of extinction, and highlights the need for immediate and efficient conservation actions through international cooperation. It also provides a starting point in monitoring the trend of the population abundance to evaluate the effectiveness of management measures and determine its interactions with the larger neighboring Belt Sea population. Further, we offer evidence that design-based passive acoustic monitoring can generate reliable estimates of the abundance of rare and cryptic animal populations across large spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Carlström
- AquaBiota Water ResearchStockholmSweden
- Present address:
Department of Environmental Research and MonitoringSwedish Museum of Natural HistoryStockholmSweden
| | - Len Thomas
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Ida Carlén
- AquaBiota Water ResearchStockholmSweden
- Present address:
Department of ZoologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Jonas Teilmann
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Jakob Tougaard
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Olli Loisa
- Turku University of Applied SciencesTurkuFinland
| | - Line A. Kyhn
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Signe Sveegaard
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - M. Louise Burt
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental ModellingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - Iwona Pawliczka
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
| | - Radomil Koza
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
| | - Bartlomiej Arciszewski
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
| | - Anders Galatius
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | | | - Jamie MacAuley
- School of BiologyBute BuildingUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
- Present address:
Department of Biology ‐ ZoophysiologyAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Andrew J. Wright
- Marine Mammal ResearchDepartment of BioscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
- Present address:
Fisheries and Oceans CanadaMaritimes, DartmouthNova ScotiaCanada
| | | | | | | | | | - Jens Koblitz
- German Oceanographic MuseumStralsundGermany
- Present address:
Max Planck Institute of Animal BehaviorKonstanzGermany
- Present address:
Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective BehaviourUniversity of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of KonstanzKonstanzGermany
| | | | - Daniel Wennerberg
- Kolmarden Wildlife ParkKolmårdenSweden
- Present address:
Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute, Core ServicesNorrköpingSweden
| | | | - Monika Kosecka
- Prof. Krzysztof Skóra Hel Marine StationDepartment of Oceanography and GeographyUniversity of GdańskHelPoland
- Present address:
Scottish Association for Marine ScienceUniversity of Highlands and IslandsObanUK
| | - Cinthia Tiberi Ljungqvist
- Kolmarden Wildlife ParkKolmårdenSweden
- Present address:
County Administrative Board of StockholmStockholmSweden
| | - Ivar Jussi
- ProMare NPOVintriku Saula küla, Kose valdHarjumaaEstonia
| | | | | | - Aleksej Šaškov
- Marine Research instituteKlaipėda UniversityKlaipėdaLithuania
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Kok ACM, Bruil L, Berges B, Sakinan S, Debusschere E, Reubens J, de Haan D, Norro A, Slabbekoorn H. An echosounder view on the potential effects of impulsive noise pollution on pelagic fish around windfarms in the North Sea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118063. [PMID: 34482245 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic noise in the oceans is disturbing marine life. Among other groups, pelagic fish are likely to be affected by sound from human activities, but so far have received relatively little attention. Offshore wind farms have become numerous and will become even more abundant in the next decades. Wind farms can be interesting to pelagic fish due to food abundance or fisheries restrictions. At the same time, construction of wind farms involves high levels of anthropogenic noise, likely disturbing and/or deterring pelagic fish. Here, we investigated whether bottom-moored echosounders are a suitable tool for studying the effects of impulsive - intermittent, high-intensity - anthropogenic noise on pelagic fish around wind farms and we explored the possible nature of their responses. Three different wind farms along the Dutch and Belgian coast were examined, one with exposure to the passing by of an experimental seismic survey with a full-scale airgun array, one with pile driving activity in an adjacent wind farm construction site and one control site without exposure. Two bottom-moored echosounders were placed in each wind farm and recorded fish presence and behaviour before, during and after the exposures. The echosounders were successful in detecting variation in the number of fish schools and their behaviour. During the seismic survey exposure there were significantly fewer, but more cohesive, schools than before, whereas during pile driving fish swam shallower with more cohesive schools. However, the types and magnitudes of response patterns were also observed at the control site with no impulsive sound exposure. We therefore stress the need for thorough replication beyond single case studies, before we can conclude that impulsive sounds, from either seismic surveys or pile driving, are a disturbing factor for pelagic fish in otherwise attractive habitat around wind farms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Bruil
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Benoit Berges
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, IJmuiden, the Netherlands
| | - Serdar Sakinan
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, IJmuiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Dick de Haan
- Wageningen Marine Research, Wageningen University & Research, IJmuiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alain Norro
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hans Slabbekoorn
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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6
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Serres A, Xu C, Hao Y, Wang D. The Click Production of Captive Yangtze Finless Porpoises ( Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaorientalis) Is Influenced by Social and Environmental Factors. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020511. [PMID: 33669231 PMCID: PMC7919832 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Yangtze finless porpoises’ high-frequency clicks have often been studied and used for wild population surveys. However, the influence of captive environmental and social variables on Yangtze finless porpoises’ production of such signals has never been investigated. In the present study, the click production of a group of captive Yangtze finless porpoises was analyzed across various contexts. This click production was significantly impacted by temporal factors (season), social factors (social separation), and environmental factors (training sessions, presence of enrichment, noise, presence of visitors). The patterns found in this study may be useful for further monitoring of the welfare of captive groups of Yangtze finless porpoises (e.g., welfare assessments) as well as for improving wild surveys (e.g., more accurate interpretation of click density). Abstract Yangtze finless porpoises use high-frequency clicks to navigate, forage, and communicate. The way in which click production may vary depending on social or environmental context has never been investigated. A group of five captive Yangtze finless porpoises was monitored for one year, and 107 h of audio recordings was collected under different conditions. Using a MATLAB-generated interface, we extracted click density (i.e., number of clicks per minute) from these recordings and analyzed its variation depending on the context. As expected, click density increased as the number of animals present increased. The click density did not exhibit diurnal variations but did have seasonal variations, with click density being highest in summer and fall. Yangtze finless porpoises produced more clicks when socially separated than when not (136% more), during training/feeding sessions than outside of such sessions (312% more), when enrichment was provided (265% more on average), and when noisy events occurred rather than when no unusual event occurred (22% more). The click density decreased when many visitors were present in the facility (up to 35% less). These results show that Yangtze finless porpoises modulate their click production depending on the context and suggest that their echolocation activity and their emotional state may be linked to these changes. Such context-dependent variations also indicate the potential usefulness of monitoring acoustical activity as part of a welfare assessment tool in this species. Additionally, the click density variation found in captivity could be useful for understanding click rate variations of wild populations that are hardly visible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Serres
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430000, China;
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100864, China
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (Y.H.)
| | - Chen Xu
- School of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China;
| | - Yujiang Hao
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430000, China;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (Y.H.)
| | - Ding Wang
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430000, China;
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7
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Gallagher CA, Grimm V, Kyhn LA, Kinze CC, Nabe-Nielsen J. Movement and Seasonal Energetics Mediate Vulnerability to Disturbance in Marine Mammal Populations. Am Nat 2021; 197:296-311. [PMID: 33625969 DOI: 10.1086/712798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn marine environments, noise from human activities is increasing dramatically, causing animals to alter their behavior and forage less efficiently. These alterations incur energetic costs that can result in reproductive failure and death and may ultimately influence population viability, yet the link between population dynamics and individual energetics is poorly understood. We present an energy budget model for simulating effects of acoustic disturbance on populations. It accounts for environmental variability and individual state, while incorporating realistic animal movements. Using harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) as a case study, we evaluated population consequences of disturbance from seismic surveys and investigated underlying drivers of vulnerability. The framework reproduced empirical estimates of population structure and seasonal variations in energetics. The largest effects predicted for seismic surveys were in late summer and fall and were unrelated to local abundance, but instead were related to lactation costs, water temperature, and body fat. Our results demonstrate that consideration of temporal variation in individual energetics and their link to costs associated with disturbances is imperative when predicting disturbance impacts. These mechanisms are general to animal species, and the framework presented here can be used for gaining new insights into the spatiotemporal variability of animal movements and energetics that control population dynamics.
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8
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Merchant ND, Andersson MH, Box T, Le Courtois F, Cronin D, Holdsworth N, Kinneging N, Mendes S, Merck T, Mouat J, Norro AMJ, Ollivier B, Pinto C, Stamp P, Tougaard J. Impulsive noise pollution in the Northeast Atlantic: Reported activity during 2015-2017. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 152:110951. [PMID: 32479267 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Underwater noise pollution from impulsive sources (e.g. explosions, seismic airguns, percussive pile driving) can affect marine fauna through mortality, physical injury, auditory damage, physiological stress, acoustic masking, and behavioural responses. Given the potential for large-scale impact on marine ecosystems, some countries are now monitoring impulsive noise activity, coordinated internationally through Regional Seas Conventions. Here, we assess impulsive noise activity in the Northeast Atlantic reported during 2015-2017 to the first international impulsive noise register (INR), established in 2016 under the OSPAR Convention. Seismic airgun surveys were the dominant noise source (67%-83% of annual activity) and declined by 38% during 2015-2017. Reported pile driving activity increased 46%. Explosions and sonar/acoustic deterrent devices both had overall increases in reported activity. Some increases were attributable to more comprehensive reporting in later years. We discuss utilising the INR for risk assessment, target setting, and forward planning, and the implementation of similar systems in other regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK.
| | | | - Tetrienne Box
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Aberdeen, UK
| | - Florent Le Courtois
- Service hydrographique et océanographique de la Marine (SHOM), Brest, France
| | - Dónal Cronin
- Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Cork, Ireland
| | - Neil Holdsworth
- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sónia Mendes
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Aberdeen, UK
| | - Thomas Merck
- Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, Putbus, Germany
| | | | - Alain M J Norro
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Ollivier
- Service hydrographique et océanographique de la Marine (SHOM), Brest, France
| | - Carlos Pinto
- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Kavanagh AS, Nykänen M, Hunt W, Richardson N, Jessopp MJ. Seismic surveys reduce cetacean sightings across a large marine ecosystem. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19164. [PMID: 31844150 PMCID: PMC6915703 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55500-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Noise pollution is increasing globally, and as oceans are excellent conductors of sound, this is a major concern for marine species reliant on sound for key life functions. Loud, impulsive sounds from seismic surveys have been associated with impacts on many marine taxa including mammals, crustaceans, cephalopods, and fish. However, impacts across large spatial scales or multiple species are rarely considered. We modelled over 8,000 hours of cetacean survey data across a large marine ecosystem covering > 880,000 km2 to investigate the effect of seismic surveys on baleen and toothed whales. We found a significant effect of seismic activity across multiple species and habitats, with an 88% (82-92%) decrease in sightings of baleen whales, and a 53% (41-63%) decrease in sightings of toothed whales during active seismic surveys when compared to control surveys. Significantly fewer sightings of toothed whales also occurred during active versus inactive airgun periods of seismic surveys, although some species-specific response to noise was observed. This study provides strong evidence of multi-species impacts from seismic survey noise on cetaceans. Given the global proliferation of seismic surveys and large propagation distances of airgun noise, our results highlight the large-scale impacts that marine species are currently facing.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Kavanagh
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland.
- Marine Institute, Rinville, Galway, T23N73K, Ireland.
| | - M Nykänen
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, T23N73K, Ireland
| | - W Hunt
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland
| | - N Richardson
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland
| | - M J Jessopp
- MaREI Centre, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Beaufort Building, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, P43C573, Ireland.
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Co. Cork, T23N73K, Ireland.
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10
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Hastie G, Merchant ND, Götz T, Russell DJF, Thompson P, Janik VM. Effects of impulsive noise on marine mammals: investigating range-dependent risk. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01906. [PMID: 30986328 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Concerns exist about the impacts of underwater noise on marine mammals. These include auditory damage, which is a significant risk for marine mammals exposed to impulsive sounds such as explosions, pile-driving, and seismic air guns. Currently, impact assessments use different risk criteria for impulsive and non-impulsive sounds (e.g., ships, drilling). However, as impulsive sounds dissipate through the environment, they potentially lose hazardous features (e.g., sudden onset) and become non-impulsive at some distance from the source. Despite management implications, a lack of data on range-dependent characteristics currently limits their inclusion in impact assessments. We address this using acoustic recordings of seismic air guns and pile-driving to quantify range dependency in impulsive characteristics using four criteria: (1) rise time < 25 ms; (2) quotient of peak pressure and pulse duration > 5,000 Pa/s; (3) duration < 1 s; (4) crest factor > 15 dB. We demonstrate that some characteristics changed markedly within ranges of ~10 km, and that the mean probability of exceeding criteria 1 and 2 was <0.5 at ranges >3.5 km. In contrast, the mean probability of exceeding criteria 3 remained >0.5 up to ~37.0 km, and the mean probability of exceeding criteria 4 remained <0.5 throughout the range. These results suggest that a proportion of the recorded signals should be defined as impulsive based on each of the criteria, and that some of the criteria change markedly as a result of propagation. However, the impulsive nature of a sound is likely to be a complex interaction of all these criteria, and many other unrelated parameters such as duty cycle, recovery periods, and sound levels will also strongly affect the risk of hearing damage. We recommend future auditory damage studies and impact assessments explicitly consider the ranges at which sounds may lose some of their potentially hazardous characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon Hastie
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan D Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, NR33 0HT, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Götz
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, United Kingdom
| | - Debbie J F Russell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, United Kingdom
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling, The Observatory, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 9LZ, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Thompson
- Lighthouse Field Station, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, IV11 8YL, United Kingdom
| | - Vincent M Janik
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, KY16 8LB, United Kingdom
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11
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Graham IM, Merchant ND, Farcas A, Barton TR, Cheney B, Bono S, Thompson PM. Harbour porpoise responses to pile-driving diminish over time. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190335. [PMID: 31312495 PMCID: PMC6599776 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Estimating impacts of offshore windfarm construction on marine mammals requires data on displacement in relation to different noise levels and sources. Using echolocation detectors and noise recorders, we investigated harbour porpoise behavioural responses to piling noise during the 10-month foundation installation of a North Sea windfarm. Current UK guidance assumes total displacement within 26 km of pile driving. By contrast, we recorded a 50% probability of response within 7.4 km (95% CI = 5.7-9.4) at the first location piled, decreasing to 1.3 km (95% CI = 0.2-2.8) by the final location; representing 28% (95% CI = 21-35) and 18% (95% CI = 13-23) displacement of individuals within 26 km. Distance proved as good a predictor of responses as audiogram-weighted received levels, presenting a more practicable variable for environmental assessments. Critically, acoustic deterrent device (ADD) use and vessel activity increased response levels. Policy and management to minimize impacts of renewables on cetaceans have concentrated on pile-driving noise. Our results highlight the need to consider trade-offs between efforts to reduce far-field behavioural disturbance and near-field injury through ADD use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isla M. Graham
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
| | - Nathan D. Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Adrian Farcas
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Tim R. Barton
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
| | - Barbara Cheney
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
| | - Saliza Bono
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Lighthouse Field Station, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YL, UK
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12
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Garrod A, Fandel AD, Wingfield JE, Fouda L, Rice AN, Bailey H. Validating automated click detector dolphin detection rates and investigating factors affecting performance. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 144:931. [PMID: 30180661 DOI: 10.1121/1.5049802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) is a widely used technique for studying the distribution and habitat use of cetaceans. The C-POD, an acoustic sensor with an onboard automated click detector, has been deployed in diverse acoustic environments, but studies verifying its offshore detection rates and factors affecting detection probability are scarce. To empirically evaluate the performance of C-PODs in detecting bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), C-PODs were deployed alongside archival acoustic recorders 12-30 km offshore in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. The C-POD and acoustic recordings, post-processed using PAMGUARD software, were compared for a period of 6852 h. C-POD false positive rates were very low (mean 0.003%), and positive hourly detection accuracy was very high (mean 99.6%). Analysis of the acoustic environment and dolphin click characteristics revealed that true positive detections by C-PODs were significantly more likely to occur when PAMGUARD detected more clicks and there was increased high frequency noise (>20 kHz), likely from distant or unclassified clicks. C-PODs were found to be reliable indicators of dolphin presence at hourly or greater time scales. These results support the application of C-PODs in PAM studies that aim to investigate patterns of dolphin occurrence, such as those related to offshore windfarms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aran Garrod
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, 20688, USA
| | - Amber D Fandel
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, 20688, USA
| | - Jessica E Wingfield
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, 20688, USA
| | - Leila Fouda
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, 20688, USA
| | - Aaron N Rice
- Bioacoustics Research Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14850, USA
| | - Helen Bailey
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, 20688, USA
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13
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Norman S, Hanson M, Huggins J, Lambourn D, Calambokidis J, Cottrell P, Greene A, Raverty S, Berta S, Dubpernell S, Klope M, Olson J, Jeffries S, Carrasco M, Souze V, Elsby A, McLean C, Carlson B, Emmons C, Gaydos J. Conception, fetal growth, and calving seasonality of harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the Salish Sea waters of Washington, USA, and southern British Columbia, Canada. CAN J ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2017-0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena (Linnaeus, 1758)) strandings in the Salish Sea to determine calving seasonality (1980–2015). A total of 443 strandings were analyzed, of which 134 were calves and 53 were neonates. Stranded calves were reported every month, but peaked in July, August, and September. Based on fetal size and an estimated fetal growth rate of 80 mm/month, mean (±SD) conception date (and range) was back-calculated to 11 October ± 30 days (16 August – 31 December) and was later than in most other studies. Using mean (±SD) length at birth (80 ± 5.8 cm), gestation was estimated to be approximately 10.8 months. Estimated birthing period was 16 July – 27 November, with a mean (±SD) birth date of 10 September (±30.7 days) and a birth length of 80.0 cm. Estimated pregnancy rate (0.28–0.29) is lower than reported in other areas and is likely an underestimate due to missed early embryos, poor postmortem condition of a large proportion of the stranded adult females, and potential biases related to the animals that strand and are available. This study of harbor porpoise reproduction and calving in the Salish Sea is the first assessment of calving seasonality for this species in the northeast Pacific Ocean.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.A. Norman
- Marine-Med: Marine Research, Epidemiology, and Veterinary Medicine, 24225 15th Place Southeast, Bothell, WA 98021, USA
| | - M.B. Hanson
- NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - J. Huggins
- Cascadia Research, 218½ West Fourth Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501, USA
| | - D. Lambourn
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Investigations, 7801 Phillips Road Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
| | - J. Calambokidis
- Cascadia Research, 218½ West Fourth Avenue, Olympia, WA 98501, USA
| | - P. Cottrell
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fisheries Management Branch, Suite 200-401 Burrard, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4, Canada
| | - A. Greene
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Fisheries Management Branch, Suite 200-401 Burrard, Vancouver, BC V6C 3S4, Canada
| | - S. Raverty
- Animal Health Centre, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, 1767 Angus Campbell Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2M3, Canada
| | - S. Berta
- Orca Network, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
| | - S. Dubpernell
- Orca Network, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
| | - M. Klope
- Orca Network, Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 485 Labella Vista Way, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
| | - J.K. Olson
- The Whale Museum, 62 First Street North, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
| | - S.J. Jeffries
- Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marine Mammal Investigations, 7801 Phillips Road Southwest, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
| | - M. Carrasco
- Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 3842 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA
| | - V. Souze
- Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 3842 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA
| | - A. Elsby
- Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, 3842 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, WA 98262, USA
| | - C. McLean
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center, 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
| | - B. Carlson
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center, 532 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
| | - C. Emmons
- NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA 98112, USA
| | - J.K. Gaydos
- Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center-Orcas Island Office, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 942 Deer Harbor Road, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
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14
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Erbe C, Dunlop R, Dolman S. Effects of Noise on Marine Mammals. EFFECTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC NOISE ON ANIMALS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8574-6_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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15
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van Beest FM, Teilmann J, Hermannsen L, Galatius A, Mikkelsen L, Sveegaard S, Balle JD, Dietz R, Nabe-Nielsen J. Fine-scale movement responses of free-ranging harbour porpoises to capture, tagging and short-term noise pulses from a single airgun. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:170110. [PMID: 29410789 PMCID: PMC5792866 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on the behavioural responses of cetaceans is constrained by lack of data on fine-scale movements of individuals. We equipped five free-ranging harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) with high-resolution location and dive loggers and exposed them to a single 10 inch3 underwater airgun producing high-intensity noise pulses (2-3 s intervals) for 1 min. All five porpoises responded to capture and tagging with longer, faster and more directed movements as well as with shorter, shallower, less wiggly dives immediately after release, with natural behaviour resumed in less than or equal to 24 h. When we exposed porpoises to airgun pulses at ranges of 420-690 m with noise level estimates of 135-147 dB re 1 µPa2s (sound exposure level), one individual displayed rapid and directed movements away from the exposure site and two individuals used shorter and shallower dives compared to natural behaviour immediately after exposure. Noise-induced movement typically lasted for less than or equal to 8 h with an additional 24 h recovery period until natural behaviour was resumed. The remaining individuals did not show any quantifiable responses to the noise exposure. Changes in natural behaviour following anthropogenic disturbances may reduce feeding opportunities, and evaluating potential population-level consequences should be a priority research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris M. van Beest
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde 4000, Denmark
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16
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Kastelein RA, Helder-Hoek L, Van de Voorde S, von Benda-Beckmann AM, Lam FPA, Jansen E, de Jong CAF, Ainslie MA. Temporary hearing threshold shift in a harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) after exposure to multiple airgun sounds. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 142:2430. [PMID: 29092610 DOI: 10.1121/1.5007720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In seismic surveys, reflected sounds from airguns are used under water to detect gas and oil below the sea floor. The airguns produce broadband high-amplitude impulsive sounds, which may cause temporary or permanent threshold shifts (TTS or PTS) in cetaceans. The magnitude of the threshold shifts and the hearing frequencies at which they occur depend on factors such as the received cumulative sound exposure level (SELcum), the number of exposures, and the frequency content of the sounds. To quantify TTS caused by airgun exposure and the subsequent hearing recovery, the hearing of a harbor porpoise was tested by means of a psychophysical technique. TTS was observed after exposure to 10 and 20 consecutive shots fired from two airguns simultaneously (SELcum: 188 and 191 dB re 1 μPa2s) with mean shot intervals of around 17 s. Although most of the airgun sounds' energy was below 1 kHz, statistically significant initial TTS1-4 (1-4 min after sound exposure stopped) of ∼4.4 dB occurred only at the hearing frequency 4 kHz, and not at lower hearing frequencies tested (0.5, 1, and 2 kHz). Recovery occurred within 12 min post-exposure. The study indicates that frequency-weighted SELcum is a good predictor for the low levels of TTS observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A Kastelein
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Lean Helder-Hoek
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Shirley Van de Voorde
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | | | - Frans-Peter A Lam
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin Jansen
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Christ A F de Jong
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Michael A Ainslie
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
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17
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Graham IM, Pirotta E, Merchant ND, Farcas A, Barton TR, Cheney B, Hastie GD, Thompson PM. Responses of bottlenose dolphins and harbor porpoises to impact and vibration piling noise during harbor construction. Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isla M. Graham
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
| | - Enrico Pirotta
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
| | - Nathan D. Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas); Pakefield Road Lowestoft NR33 0HT UK
| | - Adrian Farcas
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas); Pakefield Road Lowestoft NR33 0HT UK
| | - Tim R. Barton
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
| | - Barbara Cheney
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
| | - Gordon D. Hastie
- Sea Mammal Research Unit; Scottish Oceans Institute; University of St Andrews; St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Lighthouse Field Station; Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; George Street Cromarty Ross-shire IV11 8YL UK
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18
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Forney KA, Southall BL, Slooten E, Dawson S, Read AJ, Baird RW, Brownell RL. Nowhere to go: noise impact assessments for marine mammal populations with high site fidelity. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2017. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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19
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Wingfield JE, O’Brien M, Lyubchich V, Roberts JJ, Halpin PN, Rice AN, Bailey H. Year-round spatiotemporal distribution of harbour porpoises within and around the Maryland wind energy area. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176653. [PMID: 28467455 PMCID: PMC5415022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Offshore windfarms provide renewable energy, but activities during the construction phase can affect marine mammals. To understand how the construction of an offshore windfarm in the Maryland Wind Energy Area (WEA) off Maryland, USA, might impact harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), it is essential to determine their poorly understood year-round distribution. Although habitat-based models can help predict the occurrence of species in areas with limited or no sampling, they require validation to determine the accuracy of the predictions. Incorporating more than 18 months of harbour porpoise detection data from passive acoustic monitoring, generalized auto-regressive moving average and generalized additive models were used to investigate harbour porpoise occurrence within and around the Maryland WEA in relation to temporal and environmental variables. Acoustic detection metrics were compared to habitat-based density estimates derived from aerial and boat-based sightings to validate the model predictions. Harbour porpoises occurred significantly more frequently during January to May, and foraged significantly more often in the evenings to early mornings at sites within and outside the Maryland WEA. Harbour porpoise occurrence peaked at sea surface temperatures of 5°C and chlorophyll a concentrations of 4.5 to 7.4 mg m-3. The acoustic detections were significantly correlated with the predicted densities, except at the most inshore site. This study provides insight into previously unknown fine-scale spatial and temporal patterns in distribution of harbour porpoises offshore of Maryland. The results can be used to help inform future monitoring and mitigate the impacts of windfarm construction and other human activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E. Wingfield
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael O’Brien
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Vyacheslav Lyubchich
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jason J. Roberts
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Patrick N. Halpin
- Marine Geospatial Ecology Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Aaron N. Rice
- Biacoustics Research Program, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Helen Bailey
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, Maryland, United States of America
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20
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Donovan CR, Harris CM, Milazzo L, Harwood J, Marshall L, Williams R. A simulation approach to assessing environmental risk of sound exposure to marine mammals. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:2101-2111. [PMID: 28405276 PMCID: PMC5383472 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intense underwater sounds caused by military sonar, seismic surveys, and pile driving can harm acoustically sensitive marine mammals. Many jurisdictions require such activities to undergo marine mammal impact assessments to guide mitigation. However, the ability to assess impacts in a rigorous, quantitative way is hindered by large knowledge gaps concerning hearing ability, sensitivity, and behavioral responses to noise exposure. We describe a simulation‐based framework, called SAFESIMM (Statistical Algorithms For Estimating the Sonar Influence on Marine Megafauna), that can be used to calculate the numbers of agents (animals) likely to be affected by intense underwater sounds. We illustrate the simulation framework using two species that are likely to be affected by marine renewable energy developments in UK waters: gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). We investigate three sources of uncertainty: How sound energy is perceived by agents with differing hearing abilities; how agents move in response to noise (i.e., the strength and directionality of their evasive movements); and the way in which these responses may interact with longer term constraints on agent movement. The estimate of received sound exposure level (SEL) is influenced most strongly by the weighting function used to account for the specie's presumed hearing ability. Strongly directional movement away from the sound source can cause modest reductions (~5 dB) in SEL over the short term (periods of less than 10 days). Beyond 10 days, the way in which agents respond to noise exposure has little or no effect on SEL, unless their movements are constrained by natural boundaries. Most experimental studies of noise impacts have been short‐term. However, data are needed on long‐term effects because uncertainty about predicted SELs accumulates over time. Synthesis and applications. Simulation frameworks offer a powerful way to explore, understand, and estimate effects of cumulative sound exposure on marine mammals and to quantify associated levels of uncertainty. However, they can often require subjective decisions that have important consequences for management recommendations, and the basis for these decisions must be clearly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl R Donovan
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Research The Observatory University of St Andrew St Andrews UK
| | - Catriona M Harris
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Research The Observatory University of St Andrew St Andrews UK
| | - Lorenzo Milazzo
- Imperial College London NHLI, St. Mary's Campus Norfolk Place London UK
| | - John Harwood
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Research The Observatory University of St Andrew St Andrews UK
| | - Laura Marshall
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Research The Observatory University of St Andrew St Andrews UK
| | - Rob Williams
- Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St Andrews St Andrews UK
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21
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Jacobson EK, Forney KA, Barlow J. Using paired visual and passive acoustic surveys to estimate passive acoustic detection parameters for harbor porpoise abundance estimates. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 141:219. [PMID: 28147607 DOI: 10.1121/1.4973415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Passive acoustic monitoring is a promising approach for monitoring long-term trends in harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) abundance. Before passive acoustic monitoring can be implemented to estimate harbor porpoise abundance, information about the detectability of harbor porpoise is needed to convert recorded numbers of echolocation clicks to harbor porpoise densities. In the present study, paired data from a grid of nine passive acoustic click detectors (C-PODs, Chelonia Ltd., United Kingdom) and three days of simultaneous aerial line-transect visual surveys were collected over a 370 km2 study area. The focus of the study was estimating the effective detection area of the passive acoustic sensors, which was defined as the product of the sound production rate of individual animals and the area within which those sounds are detected by the passive acoustic sensors. Visually estimated porpoise densities were used as informative priors in a Bayesian model to solve for the effective detection area for individual harbor porpoises. This model-based approach resulted in a posterior distribution of the effective detection area of individual harbor porpoises consistent with previously published values. This technique is a viable alternative for estimating the effective detection area of passive acoustic sensors when other experimental approaches are not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiren K Jacobson
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0208, USA
| | - Karin A Forney
- National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 110 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA
| | - Jay Barlow
- National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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22
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Gomez C, Lawson J, Wright A, Buren A, Tollit D, Lesage V. A systematic review on the behavioural responses of wild marine mammals to noise: the disparity between science and policy. CAN J ZOOL 2016. [DOI: 10.1139/cjz-2016-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Noise can cause marine mammals to interrupt their feeding, alter their vocalizations, or leave important habitat, among other behavioural responses. The current North American paradigm for regulating activities that may result in behavioural responses identifies received levels (RL) of sound at which individuals are predicted to display significant behavioural responses (often termed harassment). The recurrent conclusion about the need for considering context of exposure, in addition to RL, when assessing probability and severity of behavioural responses led us to conduct a systematic literature review (370 papers) and analysis (79 studies, 195 data cases). The review summarized the critical and complex role of context of exposure. The analysis emphasized that behavioural responses in cetaceans (measured via a linear severity scale) were best explained by the interaction between sound source type (continuous, sonar, or seismic/explosion) and functional hearing group (a proxy for hearing capabilities). Importantly, more severe behavioural responses were not consistently associated with higher RL and vice versa. This indicates that monitoring and regulation of acoustic effects from activities on cetacean behaviour should not exclusively rely upon generic multispecies RL thresholds. We recommend replacing the behavioural response severity score with a response/no response dichotomous approach that can represent a measure of impact in terms of habitat loss and degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Gomez
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Mammal Section, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1, Canada
| | - J.W. Lawson
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Mammal Section, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1, Canada
| | - A.J. Wright
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - A.D. Buren
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Mammal Section, Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre, St. John’s, NL A1C 5X1, Canada
| | - D. Tollit
- SMRU Consulting North America, 510-1529 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1R1, Canada
| | - V. Lesage
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, Mont-Joli, QC G5H 3Z4, Canada
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23
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Merchant ND, Brookes KL, Faulkner RC, Bicknell AWJ, Godley BJ, Witt MJ. Underwater noise levels in UK waters. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36942. [PMID: 27830837 PMCID: PMC5103265 DOI: 10.1038/srep36942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Underwater noise from human activities appears to be rising, with ramifications for acoustically sensitive marine organisms and the functioning of marine ecosystems. Policymakers are beginning to address the risk of ecological impact, but are constrained by a lack of data on current and historic noise levels. Here, we present the first nationally coordinated effort to quantify underwater noise levels, in support of UK policy objectives under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Field measurements were made during 2013–2014 at twelve sites around the UK. Median noise levels ranged from 81.5–95.5 dB re 1 μPa for one-third octave bands from 63–500 Hz. Noise exposure varied considerably, with little anthropogenic influence at the Celtic Sea site, to several North Sea sites with persistent vessel noise. Comparison of acoustic metrics found that the RMS level (conventionally used to represent the mean) was highly skewed by outliers, exceeding the 97th percentile at some frequencies. We conclude that environmental indicators of anthropogenic noise should instead use percentiles, to ensure statistical robustness. Power analysis indicated that at least three decades of continuous monitoring would be required to detect trends of similar magnitude to historic rises in noise levels observed in the Northeast Pacific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries &Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | | | - Rebecca C Faulkner
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries &Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft, UK
| | - Anthony W J Bicknell
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK.,Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Brendan J Godley
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK.,Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - Matthew J Witt
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
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24
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Radford AN, Lèbre L, Lecaillon G, Nedelec SL, Simpson SD. Repeated exposure reduces the response to impulsive noise in European seabass. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2016; 22:3349-60. [PMID: 27282635 PMCID: PMC5006868 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Human activities have changed the acoustic environment of many terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems around the globe. Mounting evidence indicates that the resulting anthropogenic noise can impact the behaviour and physiology of at least some species in a range of taxa. However, the majority of experimental studies have considered only immediate responses to single, relatively short-term noise events. Repeated exposure to noise could lead to a heightened or lessened response. Here, we conduct two long-term (12 week), laboratory-based exposure experiments with European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to examine how an initial impact of different sound types potentially changes over time. Naïve fish showed elevated ventilation rates, indicating heightened stress, in response to impulsive additional noise (playbacks of recordings of pile-driving and seismic surveys), but not to a more continuous additional noise source (playbacks of recordings of ship passes). However, fish exposed to playbacks of pile-driving or seismic noise for 12 weeks no longer responded with an elevated ventilation rate to the same noise type. Fish exposed long-term to playback of pile-driving noise also no longer responded to short-term playback of seismic noise. The lessened response after repeated exposure, likely driven by increased tolerance or a change in hearing threshold, helps explain why fish that experienced 12 weeks of impulsive noise showed no differences in stress, growth or mortality compared to those reared with exposure to ambient-noise playback. Considering how responses to anthropogenic noise change with repeated exposure is important both when assessing likely fitness consequences and the need for mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N. Radford
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of BristolLife Sciences Building24 Tyndall AvenueBristolBS8 1TQUK
| | | | | | - Sophie L. Nedelec
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of BristolLife Sciences Building24 Tyndall AvenueBristolBS8 1TQUK
| | - Stephen D. Simpson
- BiosciencesCollege of Life and Environmental SciencesUniversity of ExeterStocker RoadExeterEX4 4QDUK
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25
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Vilela R, Pena U, Esteban R, Koemans R. Bayesian spatial modeling of cetacean sightings during a seismic acquisition survey. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 109:512-520. [PMID: 27210556 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
A visual monitoring of marine mammals was carried out during a seismic acquisition survey performed in waters south of Portugal with the aim of assessing the likelihood of encountering Mysticeti species in this region as well as to determine the impact of the seismic activity upon encounter. Sightings and effort data were assembled with a range of environmental variables at different lags, and a Bayesian site-occupancy modeling approach was used to develop prediction maps and evaluate how species-specific habitat conditions evolved throughout the presence or not of seismic activity. No statistical evidence of a decrease in the sighting rates of Mysticeti by comparison to source activity was found. Indeed, it was found how Mysticeti distribution during the survey period was driven solely by environmental variables. Although further research is needed, possible explanations may include anthropogenic noise habituation and zone of seismic activity coincident with a naturally low density area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Vilela
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Africa program, Battery IV, seated CIMA, BP7847 Libreville, Gabon.
| | - Ursula Pena
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Africa program, Battery IV, seated CIMA, BP7847 Libreville, Gabon
| | - Ruth Esteban
- CIRCE (Conservation Information and Research on Cetaceans), C/Cabeza de Manzaneda 3, Pelayo-Algeciras, 11390 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Robin Koemans
- Repsol Exploracion, Méndez Álvaro, 44, 28045 Madrid, Spain
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26
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Seasonal habitat‐based density models for a marine top predator, the harbor porpoise, in a dynamic environment. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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27
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Russell DJF, Hastie GD, Thompson D, Janik VM, Hammond PS, Scott-Hayward LAS, Matthiopoulos J, Jones EL, McConnell BJ. Avoidance of wind farms by harbour seals is limited to pile driving activities. J Appl Ecol 2016; 53:1642-1652. [PMID: 27867217 PMCID: PMC5111737 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
As part of global efforts to reduce dependence on carbon‐based energy sources there has been a rapid increase in the installation of renewable energy devices. The installation and operation of these devices can result in conflicts with wildlife. In the marine environment, mammals may avoid wind farms that are under construction or operating. Such avoidance may lead to more time spent travelling or displacement from key habitats. A paucity of data on at‐sea movements of marine mammals around wind farms limits our understanding of the nature of their potential impacts. Here, we present the results of a telemetry study on harbour seals Phoca vitulina in The Wash, south‐east England, an area where wind farms are being constructed using impact pile driving. We investigated whether seals avoid wind farms during operation, construction in its entirety, or during piling activity. The study was carried out using historical telemetry data collected prior to any wind farm development and telemetry data collected in 2012 during the construction of one wind farm and the operation of another. Within an operational wind farm, there was a close‐to‐significant increase in seal usage compared to prior to wind farm development. However, the wind farm was at the edge of a large area of increased usage, so the presence of the wind farm was unlikely to be the cause. There was no significant displacement during construction as a whole. However, during piling, seal usage (abundance) was significantly reduced up to 25 km from the piling activity; within 25 km of the centre of the wind farm, there was a 19 to 83% (95% confidence intervals) decrease in usage compared to during breaks in piling, equating to a mean estimated displacement of 440 individuals. This amounts to significant displacement starting from predicted received levels of between 166 and 178 dB re 1 μPa(p‐p). Displacement was limited to piling activity; within 2 h of cessation of pile driving, seals were distributed as per the non‐piling scenario. Synthesis and applications. Our spatial and temporal quantification of avoidance of wind farms by harbour seals is critical to reduce uncertainty and increase robustness in environmental impact assessments of future developments. Specifically, the results will allow policymakers to produce industry guidance on the likelihood of displacement of seals in response to pile driving; the relationship between sound levels and avoidance rates; and the duration of any avoidance, thus allowing far more accurate environmental assessments to be carried out during the consenting process. Further, our results can be used to inform mitigation strategies in terms of both the sound levels likely to cause displacement and what temporal patterns of piling would minimize the magnitude of the energetic impacts of displacement.
Our spatial and temporal quantification of avoidance of wind farms by harbour seals is critical to reduce uncertainty and increase robustness in environmental impact assessments of future developments. Specifically, the results will allow policymakers to produce industry guidance on the likelihood of displacement of seals in response to pile driving; the relationship between sound levels and avoidance rates; and the duration of any avoidance, thus allowing far more accurate environmental assessments to be carried out during the consenting process. Further, our results can be used to inform mitigation strategies in terms of both the sound levels likely to cause displacement and what temporal patterns of piling would minimize the magnitude of the energetic impacts of displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie J F Russell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK; Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 9LZ UK
| | - Gordon D Hastie
- Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK
| | - David Thompson
- Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK
| | - Vincent M Janik
- Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK
| | - Philip S Hammond
- Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK
| | - Lindesay A S Scott-Hayward
- Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 9LZ UK
| | - Jason Matthiopoulos
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine University of Glasgow Graham Kerr Building Glasgow G12 8QQ UK
| | - Esther L Jones
- Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK; Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 9LZ UK
| | - Bernie J McConnell
- Sea Mammal Research Unit University of St Andrews St Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK
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28
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Ellison WT, Racca R, Clark CW, Streever B, Frankel AS, Fleishman E, Angliss R, Berger J, Ketten D, Guerra M, Leu M, McKenna M, Sformo T, Southall B, Suydam R, Thomas L. Modeling the aggregated exposure and responses of bowhead whales Balaena mysticetus to multiple sources of anthropogenic underwater sound. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2016. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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29
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Williamson LD, Brookes KL, Scott BE, Graham IM, Bradbury G, Hammond PS, Thompson PM. Echolocation detections and digital video surveys provide reliable estimates of the relative density of harbour porpoises. Methods Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura D. Williamson
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Aberdeen Aberdeen AB24 2TZ UK
| | - Kate L. Brookes
- Marine Scotland Science Marine Laboratory 375 Victoria Road Aberdeen AB11 9DB UK
| | - Beth E. Scott
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Aberdeen Aberdeen AB24 2TZ UK
| | - Isla M. Graham
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences Lighthouse Field Station University of Aberdeen Cromarty IV11 8YJ UK
| | | | - Philip S. Hammond
- Sea Mammal Research Unit Scottish Oceans Institute University of St. Andrews Fife KY16 8LB UK
| | - Paul M. Thompson
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences Lighthouse Field Station University of Aberdeen Cromarty IV11 8YJ UK
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30
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Todd VLG. Mitigation of underwater anthropogenic noise and marine mammals: the 'death of a thousand' cuts and/or mundane adjustment? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 102:1-3. [PMID: 26795130 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L G Todd
- Ocean Science Consulting (OSC) Ltd., Ocean House, 4 Brewery Lane, Belhaven, Dunbar, East Lothian, EH42 1PD, Scotland, UK; Institute of Sound and Vibration Research, Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
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31
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Characteristics and Propagation of Airgun Pulses in Shallow Water with Implications for Effects on Small Marine Mammals. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26214849 PMCID: PMC4516352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Airguns used in seismic surveys are among the most prevalent and powerful anthropogenic noise sources in marine habitats. They are designed to produce most energy below 100 Hz, but the pulses have also been reported to contain medium-to-high frequency components with the potential to affect small marine mammals, which have their best hearing sensitivity at higher frequencies. In shallow water environments, inhabited by many of such species, the impact of airgun noise may be particularly challenging to assess due to complex propagation conditions. To alleviate the current lack of knowledge on the characteristics and propagation of airgun pulses in shallow water with implications for effects on small marine mammals, we recorded pulses from a single airgun with three operating volumes (10 in3, 25 in3 and 40 in3) at six ranges (6, 120, 200, 400, 800 and 1300 m) in a uniform shallow water habitat using two calibrated Reson 4014 hydrophones and four DSG-Ocean acoustic data recorders. We show that airgun pulses in this shallow habitat propagated out to 1300 meters in a way that can be approximated by a 18log(r) geometric transmission loss model, but with a high pass filter effect from the shallow water depth. Source levels were back-calculated to 192 dB re µPa2s (sound exposure level) and 200 dB re 1 µPa dB Leq-fast (rms over 125 ms duration), and the pulses contained substantial energy up to 10 kHz, even at the furthest recording station at 1300 meters. We conclude that the risk of causing hearing damage when using single airguns in shallow waters is small for both pinnipeds and porpoises. However, there is substantial potential for significant behavioral responses out to several km from the airgun, well beyond the commonly used shut-down zone of 500 meters.
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32
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Embling C, Walters A, Dolman S. How much effort is enough? The power of citizen science to monitor trends in coastal cetacean species. Glob Ecol Conserv 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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33
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Pirotta E, Brookes KL, Graham IM, Thompson PM. Variation in harbour porpoise activity in response to seismic survey noise. Biol Lett 2014; 10:20131090. [PMID: 24850891 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2013.1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals exposed to anthropogenic disturbance make trade-offs between perceived risk and the cost of leaving disturbed areas. Impact assessments tend to focus on overt behavioural responses leading to displacement, but trade-offs may also impact individual energy budgets through reduced foraging performance. Previous studies found no evidence for broad-scale displacement of harbour porpoises exposed to impulse noise from a 10 day two-dimensional seismic survey. Here, we used an array of passive acoustic loggers coupled with calibrated noise measurements to test whether the seismic survey influenced the activity patterns of porpoises remaining in the area. We showed that the probability of recording a buzz declined by 15% in the ensonified area and was positively related to distance from the source vessel. We also estimated received levels at the hydrophones and characterized the noise response curve. Our results demonstrate how environmental impact assessments can be developed to assess more subtle effects of noise disturbance on activity patterns and foraging efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Pirotta
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, UK
| | - Kate L Brookes
- Lighthouse Field Station, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty IV11 8YL, UK Marine Scotland Science, Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, UK
| | - Isla M Graham
- Lighthouse Field Station, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty IV11 8YL, UK
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Lighthouse Field Station, Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cromarty IV11 8YL, UK
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34
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Bailey H, Brookes KL, Thompson PM. Assessing environmental impacts of offshore wind farms: lessons learned and recommendations for the future. AQUATIC BIOSYSTEMS 2014; 10:8. [PMID: 25250175 PMCID: PMC4172316 DOI: 10.1186/2046-9063-10-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Offshore wind power provides a valuable source of renewable energy that can help reduce carbon emissions. Technological advances are allowing higher capacity turbines to be installed and in deeper water, but there is still much that is unknown about the effects on the environment. Here we describe the lessons learned based on the recent literature and our experience with assessing impacts of offshore wind developments on marine mammals and seabirds, and make recommendations for future monitoring and assessment as interest in offshore wind energy grows around the world. The four key lessons learned that we discuss are: 1) Identifying the area over which biological effects may occur to inform baseline data collection and determining the connectivity between key populations and proposed wind energy sites, 2) The need to put impacts into a population level context to determine whether they are biologically significant, 3) Measuring responses to wind farm construction and operation to determine disturbance effects and avoidance responses, and 4) Learn from other industries to inform risk assessments and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. As the number and size of offshore wind developments increases, there will be a growing need to consider the population level consequences and cumulative impacts of these activities on marine species. Strategically targeted data collection and modeling aimed at answering questions for the consenting process will also allow regulators to make decisions based on the best available information, and achieve a balance between climate change targets and environmental legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Bailey
- Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, 146 Williams Street, Solomons, MD 20688, USA
| | - Kate L Brookes
- Marine Scotland Science, 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, UK
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Lighthouse Field Station, University of Aberdeen, George Street, Cromarty, Ross-shire IV11 8YJ, UK
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