Beaked Whales and Navy Sonar
Author Information
Author(s): Peter L. Tyack, Walter M. X. Zimmer, David Moretti, Brandon L. Southall, Diane E. Claridge, John W. Durban, Christopher W. Clark, Angela D'Amico, Nancy DiMarzio, Susan Jarvis, Elena McCarthy, Ronald Morrissey, Jessica Ward, Ian L. Boyd
Primary Institution: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Hypothesis
How do beaked whales respond to sonar exposure?
Conclusion
Beaked whales stop echolocating and move away during sonar exercises.
Supporting Evidence
- Beaked whales were detected 16 km away from sonar during exercises.
- Whales stopped echolocating during sonar exposure.
- Behavioral responses were observed at sound levels below 142 dB.
Takeaway
Beaked whales are like shy kids who stop playing when loud noises happen; they swim away from sonar sounds.
Methodology
The study used satellite tags and hydrophones to monitor whale behavior during sonar exercises and playback experiments.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to funding sources from the U.S. Navy.
Limitations
The sample size for controlled exposure experiments was small.
Participant Demographics
Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) were the primary subjects.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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