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Tougaard J. Behavioral reactions of harbor porpoises to impact pile driving noise are predicted by the auditory frequency weighted sound pressure level. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2025; 157:1368-1377. [PMID: 39982768 DOI: 10.1121/10.0035916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 02/22/2025]
Abstract
Offshore impact pile driving is a major source of high level underwater noise that can disturb marine mammal behavior tens of kilometers away. Projects involving pile driving are therefore subject to environmental impact assessments, which include modelling of the spatial extent of the behavioral disturbance. Reliable predictions about behavioral reaction distances require robust estimates of the minimum received levels of noise above which animals are likely to respond. Studies of reactions of harbor porpoises to pile driving noise in the wild and playback in captivity were identified, and reaction thresholds were extracted. Thresholds were weighted with the auditory frequency weighting function for VHF-cetaceans, the functional hearing group to which porpoises belong. The thresholds derived from playback studies to animals in captivity could be frequency weighted directly, whereas thresholds from exposure to noise from actual pile driving activities were weighted via a range-dependent weighting factor. Seven studies of porpoise reactions provided a first estimate of a behavioral reaction threshold as a VHF-weighted received level (Lp,125 ms,VHF) in the range 95-115 dB re 1 μPa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Tougaard
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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2
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Tougaard J, Beedholm K, Madsen PT. Comment on "Similar susceptibility to temporary hearing threshold shifts despite different audiograms in harbor porpoises and harbor seals" [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 155, 396-404 (2024)] (L). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2025; 157:538-541. [PMID: 39868780 DOI: 10.1121/10.0035452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 11/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2025]
Abstract
Gransier and Kastelein [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 155, 396-404 (2024)] present a review of selected studies on temporary threshold shift (TTS) in seals and porpoises. In contrast to the conclusion made in the paper, the results presented are fully consistent with the current understanding that sound exposure level is the best overall predictor of TTSs in marine mammals. If all available TTS studies on seals and porpoises exposed to narrowband noise are included, there is support neither for the conclusion that seals and porpoises are equally susceptible to TTSs nor for their claim that audiograms are poor predictors of the frequency dependence of TTS susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Tougaard
- Department of Ecoscience, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | | | - Peter T Madsen
- Department of Biology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
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Pigeault R, Ruser A, Ramírez-Martínez NC, Geelhoed SCV, Haelters J, Nachtsheim DA, Schaffeld T, Sveegaard S, Siebert U, Gilles A. Maritime traffic alters distribution of the harbour porpoise in the North Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 208:116925. [PMID: 39260144 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116925] [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: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
The North Sea is one of the most industrialised marine regions globally. We integrated cetacean-dedicated aerial surveys (2015-2022) with environmental covariates and ship positions from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) to investigate the disturbance radius and duration on harbour porpoise distribution. This study is based on 81,511 km of line-transect survey effort, during which 6511 harbour porpoise groups (8597 individuals) were sighted. Several proxies for ship disturbance were compared, identifying those best explaining the observed distribution. Better model performance was achieved by integrating maritime traffic, with frequent traffic representing the most significant disturbance to harbour porpoise distribution. Porpoises avoided areas frequented by numerous vessels up to distances of 9 km. The number of ships and average approach distance over time improved model performance, while reasons for the lower performance of predicted ship sound levels remain unclear. This study demonstrates the short-term effects of maritime traffic on harbour porpoise distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémi Pigeault
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Andreas Ruser
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Nadya C Ramírez-Martínez
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany; Fundación Macuáticos Colombia, Calle 27 # 79-167, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | | | | | - Dominik A Nachtsheim
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Tobias Schaffeld
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Signe Sveegaard
- Department of Ecoscience, Marine Mammal Research, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany; Department of Ecoscience, Marine Mammal Research, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Anita Gilles
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Werftstraße 6, 25761 Büsum, Germany.
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Koschinski S, Owen K, Lehnert K, Kamińska K. Current species protection does not serve its porpoise-Knowledge gaps on the impact of pressures on the Critically Endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population, and future recommendations for its protection. Ecol Evol 2024; 14:e70156. [PMID: 39267689 PMCID: PMC11392595 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.70156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Successful management requires information on pressures that threaten a species and areas where conservation actions are needed. The Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population was first listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in 2008. Now, 16 years later, there is no change in conservation status despite ample conservation policy calling for its protection and an urgent need for management action to protect this population. Here, we provide an overview of the current status of the population, highlight knowledge gaps on the impact of pressures, and make recommendations for management of anthropogenic activities. Based on an exceeded limit for anthropogenic mortality, the high concentrations of contaminants in the Baltic Sea, combined with reductions in prey availability and increases in underwater noise, it is inferred that this population is likely still decreasing in size and conservation action becomes more urgent. As bycatch and unprotected underwater explosions result in direct mortality, they must be reduced to zero. Inputs of contaminants, waste, and existing and emerging noise sources should be minimised and regulated. Additionally, ecosystem-based sustainable management of fisheries is paramount in order to ensure prey availability, and maintain a healthy Baltic Sea. Stranding networks to routinely assess individuals for genetic population assignment and health need to be expanded, to identify rare samples from this population. Knowledge is still scarce on the population-level impact of each threat, along with the cumulative impact of multiple pressures on the population. However, the current knowledge and management instruments are sufficient to apply effective protection for the population now. While bycatch is the main pressure impacting this population, urgent conservation action is needed across all anthropogenic activities. Extinction of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population is a choice: decision-makers have the fate of this genetically and biologically distinct marine mammal population in their hands.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kylie Owen
- Department of Population Analysis and MonitoringSwedish Museum of Natural HistoryStockholmSweden
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife ResearchUniversity of Veterinary Medicine HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of FisheriesMinistry of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentWarsawPoland
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Gransier R, Kastelein RA. Similar susceptibility to temporary hearing threshold shifts despite different audiograms in harbor porpoises and harbor seals. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2024; 155:396-404. [PMID: 38240666 DOI: 10.1121/10.0024343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
When they are exposed to loud fatiguing sounds in the oceans, marine mammals are susceptible to hearing damage in the form of temporary hearing threshold shifts (TTSs) or permanent hearing threshold shifts. We compared the level-dependent and frequency-dependent susceptibility to TTSs in harbor seals and harbor porpoises, species with different hearing sensitivities in the low- and high-frequency regions. Both species were exposed to 100% duty cycle one-sixth-octave noise bands at frequencies that covered their entire hearing range. In the case of the 6.5 kHz exposure for the harbor seals, a pure tone (continuous wave) was used. TTS was quantified as a function of sound pressure level (SPL) half an octave above the center frequency of the fatiguing sound. The species have different audiograms, but their frequency-specific susceptibility to TTS was more similar. The hearing frequency range in which both species were most susceptible to TTS was 22.5-50 kHz. Furthermore, the frequency ranges were characterized by having similar critical levels (defined as the SPL of the fatiguing sound above which the magnitude of TTS induced as a function of SPL increases more strongly). This standardized between-species comparison indicates that the audiogram is not a good predictor of frequency-dependent susceptibility to TTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Gransier
- Research Group Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology (ExpORL), Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Box 721, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ronald A Kastelein
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3842 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
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De Vreese S, Orekhova K, Morell M, Gerussi T, Graïc JM. Neuroanatomy of the Cetacean Sensory Systems. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:66. [PMID: 38200796 PMCID: PMC10778493 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans have undergone profound sensory adaptations in response to their aquatic environment during evolution. These adaptations are characterised by anatomo-functional changes in the classically defined sensory systems, shaping their neuroanatomy accordingly. This review offers a concise and up-to-date overview of our current understanding of the neuroanatomy associated with cetacean sensory systems. It encompasses a wide spectrum, ranging from the peripheral sensory cells responsible for detecting environmental cues, to the intricate structures within the central nervous system that process and interpret sensory information. Despite considerable progress in this field, numerous knowledge gaps persist, impeding a comprehensive and integrated understanding of their sensory adaptations, and through them, of their sensory perspective. By synthesising recent advances in neuroanatomical research, this review aims to shed light on the intricate sensory alterations that differentiate cetaceans from other mammals and allow them to thrive in the marine environment. Furthermore, it highlights pertinent knowledge gaps and invites future investigations to deepen our understanding of the complex processes in cetacean sensory ecology and anatomy, physiology and pathology in the scope of conservation biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen De Vreese
- Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics (LAB), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech (UPC), 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
| | - Ksenia Orekhova
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (K.O.); (T.G.); (J.-M.G.)
| | - Maria Morell
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Germany;
| | - Tommaso Gerussi
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (K.O.); (T.G.); (J.-M.G.)
| | - Jean-Marie Graïc
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science (BCA), University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy; (K.O.); (T.G.); (J.-M.G.)
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7
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Winship KA, Jones BL. Acoustic Monitoring of Professionally Managed Marine Mammals for Health and Welfare Insights. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2124. [PMID: 37443922 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Research evaluating marine mammal welfare and opportunities for advancements in the care of species housed in a professional facility have rapidly increased in the past decade. While topics, such as comfortable housing, adequate social opportunities, stimulating enrichment, and a high standard of medical care, have continued to receive attention from managers and scientists, there is a lack of established acoustic consideration for monitoring the welfare of these animals. Marine mammals rely on sound production and reception for navigation and communication. Regulations governing anthropogenic sound production in our oceans have been put in place by many countries around the world, largely based on the results of research with managed and trained animals, due to the potential negative impacts that unrestricted noise can have on marine mammals. However, there has not been an established best practice for the acoustic welfare monitoring of marine mammals in professional care. By monitoring animal hearing and vocal behavior, a more holistic view of animal welfare can be achieved through the early detection of anthropogenic sound sources, the acoustic behavior of the animals, and even the features of the calls. In this review, the practice of monitoring cetacean acoustic welfare through behavioral hearing tests and auditory evoked potentials (AEPs), passive acoustic monitoring, such as the Welfare Acoustic Monitoring System (WAMS), as well as ideas for using advanced technologies for utilizing vocal biomarkers of health are introduced and reviewed as opportunities for integration into marine mammal welfare plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelley A Winship
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Dr., Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
| | - Brittany L Jones
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Dr., Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
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Tougaard J, Beedholm K, Madsen PT. Thresholds for noise induced hearing loss in harbor porpoises and phocid seals. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:4252. [PMID: 35778178 DOI: 10.1121/10.0011560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Intense sound sources, such as pile driving, airguns, and military sonars, have the potential to inflict hearing loss in marine mammals and are, therefore, regulated in many countries. The most recent criteria for noise induced hearing loss are based on empirical data collected until 2015 and recommend frequency-weighted and species group-specific thresholds to predict the onset of temporary threshold shift (TTS). Here, evidence made available after 2015 in light of the current criteria for two functional hearing groups is reviewed. For impulsive sounds (from pile driving and air guns), there is strong support for the current threshold for very high frequency cetaceans, including harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). Less strong support also exists for the threshold for phocid seals in water, including harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). For non-impulsive sounds, there is good correspondence between exposure functions and empirical thresholds below 10 kHz for porpoises (applicable to assessment and regulation of military sonars) and between 3 and 16 kHz for seals. Above 10 kHz for porpoises and outside of the range 3-16 kHz for seals, there are substantial differences (up to 35 dB) between the predicted thresholds for TTS and empirical results. These discrepancies call for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Tougaard
- Department of Ecoscience, Marine Mammal Research, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Kristian Beedholm
- Department of Biology, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Peter T Madsen
- Department of Biology, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, C. F. Møllers Allé 3, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
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Behavioral responses to predatory sounds predict sensitivity of cetaceans to anthropogenic noise within a soundscape of fear. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2114932119. [PMID: 35312354 PMCID: PMC9060435 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114932119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acoustic signals travel efficiently in the marine environment, allowing soniferous predators and prey to eavesdrop on each other. Our results with four cetacean species indicate that they use acoustic information to assess predation risk and have evolved mechanisms to reduce predation risk by ceasing foraging. Species that more readily gave up foraging in response to predatory sounds of killer whales also decreased foraging more during 1- to 4-kHz sonar exposures, indicating that species exhibiting costly antipredator responses also have stronger behavioral reactions to anthropogenic noise. This advance in our understanding of the drivers of disturbance helps us to predict what species and habitats are likely to be most severely impacted by underwater noise pollution in oceans undergoing increasing anthropogenic activities. As human activities impact virtually every animal habitat on the planet, identifying species at-risk from disturbance is a priority. Cetaceans are an example taxon where responsiveness to anthropogenic noise can be severe but highly species and context specific, with source–receiver characteristics such as hearing sensitivity only partially explaining this variability. Here, we predicted that ecoevolutionary factors that increase species responsiveness to predation risk also increase responsiveness to anthropogenic noise. We found that reductions in intense-foraging time during exposure to 1- to 4-kHz naval sonar and predatory killer whale sounds were highly correlated (r = 0.92) across four cetacean species. Northern bottlenose whales ceased foraging completely during killer whale and sonar exposures, followed by humpback, long-finned pilot, and sperm whales, which reduced intense foraging by 48 to 97%. Individual responses to sonar were partly predicted by species-level responses to killer whale playbacks, implying a similar level of perceived risk. The correlation cannot be solely explained by hearing sensitivity, indicating that species- and context-specific antipredator adaptations also shape cetacean responses to human-made noise. Species that are more responsive to predator presence are predicted to be more disturbance sensitive, implying a looming double whammy for Arctic cetaceans facing increased anthropogenic and predator activity with reduced ice cover.
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Jäckel D, Ortiz Troncoso A, Dähne M, Bölling C. The Animal Audiogram Database: A community-based resource for consolidated audiogram data and metadata. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:1125. [PMID: 35232080 DOI: 10.1121/10.0009402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of hearing ability, as represented in audiograms, is essential for understanding how animals acoustically perceive their environment, predicting and counteracting the effects of anthropogenic noise, and managing wildlife. Audiogram data and relevant background information are currently only available embedded in the text of individual scientific publications in various unstandardized formats. This heterogeneity makes it hard to access, compare, and integrate audiograms. The Animal Audiogram Database (https://animalaudiograms.org) assembles published audiogram data, metadata about the corresponding experiments, and links to the original publications in a consistent format. The database content is the result of an extensive survey of the scientific literature and manual curation of the audiometric data found therein. As of November 1, 2021, the database contains 306 audiogram datasets from 34 animal species. The scope and format of the provided metadata and design of the database interface were established by active research community involvement. Options to compare audiograms and download datasets in structured formats are provided. With the focus currently on vertebrates and hearing in underwater environments, the database is drafted as a free and open resource for facilitating the review and correction of the contained data and collaborative extension with audiogram data from any taxonomic group and habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Jäckel
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, Berlin, 10115, Germany
| | - Alvaro Ortiz Troncoso
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, Berlin, 10115, Germany
| | - Michael Dähne
- Deutsches Meeresmuseum, Katharinenberg 14-20, Stralsund, 18439, Germany
| | - Christian Bölling
- Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, Berlin, 10115, Germany
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Morell M, IJsseldijk LL, Berends AJ, Gröne A, Siebert U, Raverty SA, Shadwick RE, Kik MJL. Evidence of Hearing Loss and Unrelated Toxoplasmosis in a Free-Ranging Harbour Porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113058. [PMID: 34827790 PMCID: PMC8614470 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Evidence of hearing impairment was identified in a female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) on the basis of inner ear analysis. The animal live stranded on the Dutch coast at Domburg in 2016 and died a few hours later. Ultrastructural examination of the inner ear revealed evidence of sensory cell loss, which is compatible with noise exposure. In addition, histopathology also revealed multifocal necrotising protozoal encephalitis. A diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was confirmed by positive staining of tissue with anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies; however, T. gondii tachyzoites were not observed histologically in any of the examined tissues. This is the first case of presumptive noise-induced hearing loss and demonstration of T. gondii cysts in the brain of a free-ranging harbour porpoise from the North Sea. Abstract Evidence of hearing impairment was identified in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) on the basis of scanning electron microscopy. In addition, based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, there were signs of unrelated cerebral toxoplasmosis. The six-year old individual live stranded on the Dutch coast at Domburg in 2016 and died a few hours later. The most significant gross lesion was multifocal necrosis and haemorrhage of the cerebrum. Histopathology of the brain revealed extensive necrosis and haemorrhage in the cerebrum with multifocal accumulations of degenerated neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, and perivascular lymphocytic cuffing. The diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis was confirmed by positive staining of protozoa with anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Tachyzoites were not observed histologically in any of the examined tissues. Ultrastructural evaluation of the inner ear revealed evidence of scattered loss of outer hair cells in a 290 µm long segment of the apical turn of the cochlea, and in a focal region of ~ 1.5 mm from the apex of the cochlea, which was compatible with noise-induced hearing loss. This is the first case of concurrent presumptive noise-induced hearing loss and toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging harbour porpoise from the North Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Morell
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Germany;
- Zoology Department, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (S.A.R.); (R.E.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (L.L.I.)
| | - Lonneke L. IJsseldijk
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.J.B.); (A.G.); (M.J.L.K.)
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (L.L.I.)
| | - Alinda J. Berends
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.J.B.); (A.G.); (M.J.L.K.)
| | - Andrea Gröne
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.J.B.); (A.G.); (M.J.L.K.)
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 25761 Büsum, Germany;
| | - Stephen A. Raverty
- Zoology Department, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (S.A.R.); (R.E.S.)
- Animal Health Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, BC V3G 2M3, Canada
| | - Robert E. Shadwick
- Zoology Department, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (S.A.R.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Marja J. L. Kik
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; (A.J.B.); (A.G.); (M.J.L.K.)
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12
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Smith AB, Madsen PT, Johnson M, Tyack P, Wahlberg M. Toothed whale auditory brainstem responses measured with a non-invasive, on-animal tag. JASA EXPRESS LETTERS 2021; 1:091201. [PMID: 36154211 DOI: 10.1121/10.0006454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Empirical measurements of odontocete hearing are limited to captive individuals, constituting a fraction of species across the suborder. Data from more species could be available if such measurements were collected from unrestrained animals in the wild. This study investigated whether electrophysiological hearing data could be recorded from a trained harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) using a non-invasive, animal-attached tag. The results demonstrate that auditory brainstem responses to external and self-generated stimuli can be measured from a stationary odontocete using an animal-attached recorder. With additional development, tag-based electrophysiological platforms may facilitate the collection of hearing data from freely swimming odontocetes in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B Smith
- Marine Research Centre, University of Southern Denmark, 5300 Kerteminde, Denmark
| | - Peter T Madsen
- Zoophysiology, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Mark Johnson
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Peter Tyack
- Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, KY16 8LB St. Andrews, United Kingdom , , , ,
| | - Magnus Wahlberg
- Marine Research Centre, University of Southern Denmark, 5300 Kerteminde, Denmark
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13
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Kastelein RA, Helder-Hoek L, Covi J, Terhune JM, Klump G. Masking release at 4 kHz in harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) associated with sinusoidal amplitude-modulated masking noise. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2021; 150:1721. [PMID: 34598600 DOI: 10.1121/10.0006103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Acoustic masking reduces the efficiency of communication, prey detection, and predator avoidance in marine mammals. Most underwater sounds fluctuate in amplitude. The ability of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) to detect sounds in amplitude-varying masking noise was examined. A psychophysical technique evaluated hearing thresholds of three harbor porpoises for 500-2000 ms tonal sweeps (3.9-4.1 kHz), presented concurrently with sinusoidal amplitude-modulated (SAM) or unmodulated Gaussian noise bands centered at 4 kHz. Masking was assessed in relation to signal duration and masker level, amplitude modulation rate (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 90 Hz), modulation depth (50%, 75%, and 100%) and bandwidth (1/3 or 1 octave). Masking release (MR) due to SAM was assessed by comparing thresholds in modulated and unmodulated maskers. Masked thresholds were affected by SAM rate with the lowest thresholds (i.e., largest MR was 14.5 dB) being observed for SAM rates between 1 and 5 Hz at higher masker levels. Increasing the signal duration from 500-2000 ms increased MR by 3.3 dB. Masker bandwidth and depth of modulation had no substantial effect on MR. The results are discussed with respect to MR resulting from envelope variation and the impact of noise in the environment.
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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
| | - Jennifer Covi
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - John M Terhune
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 5050, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Georg Klump
- Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all" and Research Centre Neurosensory Science, Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
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14
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Findlay CR, Aleynik D, Farcas A, Merchant ND, Risch D, Wilson B. Auditory impairment from acoustic seal deterrents predicted for harbour porpoises in a marine protected area. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte R. Findlay
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) University of the Highlands and Islands Oban UK
| | - Dmitry Aleynik
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) University of the Highlands and Islands Oban UK
| | - Adrian Farcas
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) Lowestoft UK
| | - Nathan D. Merchant
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) Lowestoft UK
| | - Denise Risch
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) University of the Highlands and Islands Oban UK
| | - Ben Wilson
- Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) University of the Highlands and Islands Oban UK
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15
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Morell M, IJsseldijk LL, Piscitelli-Doshkov M, Ostertag S, Estrade V, Haulena M, Doshkov P, Bourien J, Raverty SA, Siebert U, Puel JL, Shadwick RE. Cochlear apical morphology in toothed whales: Using the pairing hair cell-Deiters' cell as a marker to detect lesions. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:622-642. [PMID: 34096183 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The apex or apical region of the cochlear spiral within the inner ear encodes for low-frequency sounds. The disposition of sensory hair cells on the organ of Corti is largely variable in the apical region of mammals, and it does not necessarily follow the typical three-row pattern of outer hair cells (OHCs). As most underwater noise sources contain low-frequency components, we expect to find most lesions in the apical region of the cochlea of toothed whales, in cases of permanent noise-induced hearing loss. To further understand how man-made noise might affect cetacean hearing, there is a need to describe normal morphological features of the apex and document interspecific anatomic variations in cetaceans. However, distinguishing between apical normal variability and hair cell death is challenging. We describe anatomical features of the organ of Corti of the apex in 23 ears from five species of toothed whales (harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena, spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris, pantropical spotted dolphin Stenella attenuata, pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps, and beluga whale Delphinapterus leucas) by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. Our results showed an initial region where the lowest frequencies are encoded with two or three rows of OHCs, followed by the typical configuration of three OHC rows and three rows of supporting Deiters' cells. Whenever two rows of OHCs were detected, there were usually only two corresponding rows of supporting Deiters' cells, suggesting that the number of rows of Deiters' cells is a good indicator to distinguish between normal and pathological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Morell
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, Germany.,Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM Unit 1051, Montpellier, France.,Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lonneke L IJsseldijk
- Division of Pathology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sonja Ostertag
- School of Public Health, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.,Freshwater Institute, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Martin Haulena
- Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul Doshkov
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Manteo, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jérôme Bourien
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM Unit 1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Stephen A Raverty
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Animal Health Center, Animal Health Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büsum, Germany
| | - Jean-Luc Puel
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, INSERM Unit 1051, Montpellier, France
| | - Robert E Shadwick
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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16
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Todd VLG, Williamson LD, Jiang J, Cox SE, Todd IB, Ruffert M. Proximate underwater soundscape of a North Sea offshore petroleum exploration jack-up drilling rig in the Dogger Bank. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 148:3971. [PMID: 33379917 DOI: 10.1121/10.0002958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about localized, near-field soundscapes during offshore hydrocarbon drilling campaigns. In the Dogger Bank, North Sea, underwater noise recordings were made 41-60 m from the drill stem of the Noble Kolskaya jack-up exploration drilling rig. The aims were to document noise received levels (RLs) and frequency characteristics of rig-associated near-field noise. The rig produced sound pressure levels (SPLs) of 120 dB re 1 μPa in the frequency range of 2-1400 Hz. Over transient periods, RLs varied by 15-20 dB between softest (holding) and noisiest (drilling) operations. Tonal components at different frequencies varied with depth. Support vessel noise was significantly louder than the jack-up rig at frequencies <1 kHz, even in its noisiest "boulder-drilling" phase, though radiated noise levels were higher above 2 kHz. Rig SPLs fell rapidly above 8 kHz. Marine mammals, such as harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) forage regularly near offshore oil and gas rigs and platforms, and it is predicted that animals experience different noise regimes while traversing the water column and can potentially detect the higher-frequency components of drilling noise to a distance of 70 m from the source; however, while levels were unlikely to cause auditory injury, effects on echolocation behavior are still unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L G Todd
- Ocean Science Consulting, Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland EH42 1RR, United Kingdom
| | - Laura D Williamson
- Ocean Science Consulting, Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland EH42 1RR, United Kingdom
| | - Jian Jiang
- Ocean Science Consulting, Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland EH42 1RR, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie E Cox
- Ocean Science Consulting, Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland EH42 1RR, United Kingdom
| | - Ian B Todd
- Ocean Science Consulting, Spott Road, Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland EH42 1RR, United Kingdom
| | - Maximilian Ruffert
- School of Mathematics and Maxwell Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3FD, United Kingdom
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17
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Kastelein RA, Helder-Hoek L, Cornelisse SA, von Benda-Beckmann AM, Lam FPA, de Jong CAF, Ketten DR. Lack of reproducibility of temporary hearing threshold shifts in a harbor porpoise after exposure to repeated airgun sounds. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2020; 148:556. [PMID: 32872990 DOI: 10.1121/10.0001668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Noise-induced temporary hearing threshold shift (TTS) was studied in a harbor porpoise exposed to impulsive sounds of scaled-down airguns while both stationary and free-swimming for up to 90 min. In a previous study, ∼4 dB TTS was elicited in this porpoise, but despite 8 dB higher single-shot and cumulative exposure levels (up to 199 dB re 1 μPa2s) in the present study, the porpoise showed no significant TTS at hearing frequencies 2, 4, or 8 kHz. There were no changes in the study animal's audiogram between the studies or significant differences in the fatiguing sound that could explain the difference, but audible and visual cues in the present study may have allowed the porpoise to predict when the fatiguing sounds would be produced. The discrepancy between the studies may have resulted from self-mitigation by the porpoise. Self-mitigation, resulting in reduced hearing sensitivity, can be achieved via changes in the orientation of the head, or via alteration of the hearing threshold by processes in the ear or central nervous system.
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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
| | - Suzanne A Cornelisse
- 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
| | - Christ A F de Jong
- TNO Acoustics and Sonar, Oude Waalsdorperweg 63, 2597 AK, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Darlene R Ketten
- The Hearing Research Center, Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Mall, Boston, Massachusetts 02155, USA
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18
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Evoked-potential audiogram variability in a group of wild Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis). J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2020; 206:527-541. [PMID: 32448998 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-020-01426-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Hearing is considered the primary sensory modality of cetaceans and enables their vital life functions. Information on the hearing sensitivity variability within a species obtained in a biologically relevant wild context is fundamental to evaluating potential noise impact and population-relevant management. Here, non-invasive auditory evoked-potential methods were adopted to describe the audiograms (11.2-152 kHz) of a group of four wild Yangtze finless porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) during a capture-and-release health assessment project in Poyang Lake, China. All audiograms presented a U shape, generally similar to those of other delphinids and phocoenids. The lowest auditory threshold (51-55 dB re 1 µPa) was identified at a test frequency of 76 kHz, which was higher than that observed in aquarium porpoises (54 kHz). The good hearing range (within 20 dB of the best hearing sensitivity) was from approximately 20 to 145 kHz, and the low- and high-frequency hearing cut-offs (threshold > 120 dB re l μPa) were 5.6 and 170 kHz, respectively. Compared with aquarium porpoises, wild porpoises have significantly better hearing sensitivity at 32 and 76 kHz and worse sensitivity at 54, 108 and 140 kHz. The audiograms of this group can provide a basis for better understanding the potential impact of anthropogenic noise.
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19
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Kastelein RA, Helder-Hoek L, Cornelisse S, Huijser LAE, Terhune JM. Temporary hearing threshold shift in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) due to a one-sixth-octave noise band centered at 16 kHz. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 146:3113. [PMID: 31795703 DOI: 10.1121/1.5130385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Temporary hearing threshold shifts (TTSs) were investigated in two adult female harbor seals after exposure for 60 min to a continuous one-sixth-octave noise band centered at 16 kHz (the fatiguing sound) at sound pressure levels of 128-149 dB re 1 μPa, resulting in sound exposure levels (SELs) of 164-185 dB re 1 μPa2s. TTSs were quantified at the center frequency of the fatiguing sound (16 kHz) and at half an octave above that frequency (22.4 kHz) by means of a psychoacoustic hearing test method. Susceptibility to TTS was similar in both animals when measured 8-12 and 12-16 min after cessation of the fatiguing sound. TTS increased with increasing SEL at both frequencies, but above an SEL of 174 dB re 1 μPa2s, TTS was greater at 22.4 kHz than at 16 kHz for the same SELs. Recovery was rapid: the greatest TTS, measured at 22.4 kHz 1-4 min after cessation of the sound, was 17 dB, but dropped to 3 dB in 1 h, and hearing recovered fully within 2 h. The affected hearing frequency should be considered when estimating ecological impacts of anthropogenic sound on seals. Between 2.5 and 16 kHz the species appears equally susceptible to TTS.
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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
| | - Suzanne Cornelisse
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Léonie A E Huijser
- Cetacean Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory (CEAL), University of Queensland, 37 Fraser Street, Dunwich, Queensland 4183, Australia
| | - John M Terhune
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, 100 Tucker Park Road, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L5, Canada
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20
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Kastelein RA, Helder-Hoek L, Kommeren A, Covi J, Gransier R. Effect of pile-driving sounds on harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) hearing. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 143:3583. [PMID: 29960448 DOI: 10.1121/1.5040493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Seals exposed to intense sounds may suffer hearing loss. After exposure to playbacks of broadband pile-driving sounds, the temporary hearing threshold shift (TTS) of two harbor seals was quantified at 4 and 8 kHz (frequencies of the highest TTS) with a psychoacoustic technique. The pile-driving sounds had: a 127 ms pulse duration, 2760 strikes per h, a 1.3 s inter-pulse interval, a ∼9.5% duty cycle, and an average received single-strike unweighted sound exposure level (SELss) of 151 dB re 1 μPa2s. Exposure durations were 180 and 360 min [cumulative sound exposure level (SELcum): 190 and 193 dB re 1 μPa2s]. Control sessions were conducted under low ambient noise. TTS only occurred after 360 min exposures (mean TTS: seal 02, 1-4 min after sound stopped: 3.9 dB at 4 kHz and 2.4 dB at 8 kHz; seal 01, 12-16 min after sound stopped: 2.8 dB at 4 kHz and 2.6 dB at 8 kHz). Hearing recovered within 60 min post-exposure. The TTSs were small, due to the small amount of sound energy to which the seals were exposed. Biological TTS onset SELcum for the pile-driving sounds used in this study is around 192 dB re 1 μPa2s (for mean received SELss of 151 dB re 1 μPa and a duty cycle of ∼9.5%).
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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
| | - Aimée Kommeren
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Covi
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Robin Gransier
- Sea Mammal Research Company (SEAMARCO), Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, The Netherlands
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21
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Mulsow J, Finneran JJ, Houser DS, Nordstrom CA, Barrett-Lennard LG, Burkard RF. Click reception in the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena): Effects of electrode and contact transducer location on the auditory brainstem response. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2018; 143:2076. [PMID: 29716282 DOI: 10.1121/1.5030921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Unlike terrestrial mammals that have unambiguous aerial sound transmission pathways via the outer ear and tympanum, sound reception pathways in most odontocetes are not well understood. Recent studies have used auditory brainstem response (ABR) measurements to examine sound reception pathways. This study sought to determine how sound source placements, recording electrode arrangements, and ABR peak analyses affect interpretations of sound reception in the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Click stimuli were delivered in air from a contact transducer ("jawphone"). Early ABR peaks (representing auditory nerve responses), and later peaks reflecting higher brainstem activity, were analyzed across jawphone and recording electrode positions. Auditory nerve responses were similar for jawphone placements from the ipsilateral posterior mandible to the tip of the rostrum. Later peaks, however, suggested a possible region of highest sensitivity midway between the posterior mandible and the rostrum tip. These findings are generally similar to previous data for porpoises. In contrast to auditory nerve responses that were largest when recorded near the ipsilateral meatus, later ABR peaks were largest when recorded with a contralateral (opposing) electrode. These results provide information on the processes underlying peaks of the ABR, and inform stimulus delivery and ABR recording parameters in odontocete sound reception studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Mulsow
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive #200, San Diego, California 92106, USA
| | - James J Finneran
- U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, Code 71510, 53560 Hull Street, San Diego, California 92152, USA
| | - Dorian S Houser
- National Marine Mammal Foundation, 2240 Shelter Island Drive #200, San Diego, California 92106, USA
| | - Chad A Nordstrom
- Coastal Ocean Research Institute, Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 3E2, Canada
| | - Lance G Barrett-Lennard
- Coastal Ocean Research Institute, Vancouver Aquarium, 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 3E2, Canada
| | - Robert F Burkard
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, University at Buffalo, 626 Kimball Tower, Buffalo, New York 14214, USA
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22
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Kok ACM, Engelberts JP, Kastelein RA, Helder-Hoek L, Van de Voorde S, Visser F, Slabbekoorn H. Spatial avoidance to experimental increase of intermittent and continuous sound in two captive harbour porpoises. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 233:1024-1036. [PMID: 29050731 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The continuing rise in underwater sound levels in the oceans leads to disturbance of marine life. It is thought that one of the main impacts of sound exposure is the alteration of foraging behaviour of marine species, for example by deterring animals from a prey location, or by distracting them while they are trying to catch prey. So far, only limited knowledge is available on both mechanisms in the same species. The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is a relatively small marine mammal that could quickly suffer fitness consequences from a reduction of foraging success. To investigate effects of anthropogenic sound on their foraging efficiency, we tested whether experimentally elevated sound levels would deter two captive harbour porpoises from a noisy pool into a quiet pool (Experiment 1) and reduce their prey-search performance, measured as prey-search time in the noisy pool (Experiment 2). Furthermore, we tested the influence of the temporal structure and amplitude of the sound on the avoidance response of both animals. Both individuals avoided the pool with elevated sound levels, but they did not show a change in search time for prey when trying to find a fish hidden in one of three cages. The combination of temporal structure and SPL caused variable patterns. When the sound was intermittent, increased SPL caused increased avoidance times. When the sound was continuous, avoidance was equal for all SPLs above a threshold of 100 dB re 1 μPa. Hence, we found no evidence for an effect of sound exposure on search efficiency, but sounds of different temporal patterns did cause spatial avoidance with distinct dose-response patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fleur Visser
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Kelp Marine Research, Hoorn, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans Slabbekoorn
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
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23
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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: 2.0] [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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24
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Kastelein RA, Helder-Hoek L, Van de Voorde S. Effects of exposure to sonar playback sounds (3.5 - 4.1 kHz) on harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) hearing. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2017; 142:1965. [PMID: 29092538 DOI: 10.1121/1.5005613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Safety criteria for naval sonar sounds are needed to protect harbor porpoise hearing. Two porpoises were exposed to sequences of AN/SQS-53C sonar playback sounds (3.5-4.1 kHz, without significant harmonics), at a mean received sound pressure level of 142 dB re 1 μPa, with a duty cycle of 96% (almost continuous). Behavioral hearing thresholds at 4 and 5.7 kHz were determined before and after exposure to the fatiguing sound, in order to quantify temporary threshold shifts (TTSs) and hearing recovery. Control sessions were also conducted. Significant mean initial TTS1-4 of 5.2 dB at 4 kHz and 3.1 dB at 5.7 kHz occurred after 30 min exposures (mean received cumulative sound exposure level, SELcum: 175 dB re 1 μPa2s). Hearing thresholds returned to pre-exposure levels within 12 min. Significant mean initial TTS1-4 of 5.5 dB at 4 kHz occurred after 60 min exposures (SELcum: 178 dB re 1 μPa2s). Hearing recovered within 60 min. The SELcum for AN/SQS-53C sonar sounds required to induce 6 dB of TTS 4 min after exposure (the definition of TTS onset) is expected to be between 175 and 180 dB re 1 μPa2s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald A Kastelein
- Sea Mammal Research Company, Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Lean Helder-Hoek
- Sea Mammal Research Company, Julianalaan 46, 3843 CC Harderwijk, the Netherlands
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