Severity of killer whale behavioral responses to ship noise: A dose-response study

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN

卷:79

Article

Williams, Rob^1,2  Erbe, Christine³  Ashe, Erin^1,2  Beerman, Amber¹  Smith, Jodi⁴ 

[1] Univ St Andrews, Scottish Oceans Inst, Sea Mammal Res Unit, St Andrews KY16 8LB, Fife, Scotland

[2] Oceans Initiat, Alert Bay, BC V0N 1A0, Canada

[3] Curtin Univ, Ctr Marine Sci & Technol, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia

[4] Naked Whale Res, Manchester, CA 95459 USA

关键词: Canada;    Conservation;    Critical habitat;    Killer whale;    Noise;    Ship;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.12.004

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Critical habitats of at-risk populations of northeast Pacific resident killer whales can be heavily trafficked by large ships, with transits occurring on average once every hour in busy shipping lanes. We modeled behavioral responses of killer whales to ship transits during 35 natural experiments as a dose-response function of estimated received noise levels in both broadband and audiogram-weighted terms. Interpreting effects is contingent on a subjective and seemingly arbitrary decision about severity threshold indicating a response. Subtle responses were observed around broadband received levels of 130 dB re 1 mu Pa (rms); more severe responses are hypothesized to occur at received levels beyond 150 dB re 1 mu Pa, where our study lacked data. Avoidance responses are expected to carry minor energetic costs in terms of increased energy expenditure, but future research must assess the potential for reduced prey acquisition, and potential population consequences, under these noise levels. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free