A field comparison of marine mammal detections via visual, acoustic, and infrared (IR) imaging methods offshore Atlantic Canada

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN

卷:154

Article

Smith, Heather R.¹  Zitterbart, Daniel P.^2,3  Norris, Thomas F.⁴  Flau, Michael²  Ferguson, Elizabeth L.^4,6  Jones, Colin G.⁵  Boebel, Olaf²  Moulton, Valerie D.⁵ 

[1] LGL Ltd, Environm Res Associates, 22 Fisher St, King City, ON L7B 1A6, Canada

[2] Alfred Wegener Inst, Helmholtz Ctr Polar & Marine Res AWI, Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany

[3] Woods Hole Oceanog Inst, Ocean Acoust Lab, Appl Ocean Phys & Engn, Woods Hole, MA 02543 USA

[4] Biowaves Inc, 1106 2nd St 119, Encinitas, CA 92024 USA

[5] LGL Ltd, Environm Res Associates, 388 Kenmount Rd, St John, NF A1B 4A5, Canada

[6] Ocean Sci Analyt LLC, 13020 Trigger St, San Diego, CA 92129 USA

关键词: Marine mammal;    Detection methods;    Infrared (IR) imaging;    Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM);    Observer experience;    Seismic survey;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111026

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Impulsive sounds generated during seismic surveys have elicited behavioral responses in marine mammals and could cause hearing impairment or injury. Mitigating exposure to seismic sound often relies on real-time marine mammal detection. Detection performance is influenced by detection method, environmental conditions, and observer experience. We conducted a field comparison of real-time detections made by marine mammal observers (MMOs), a rotating infrared (IR) camera, and via passive acoustic monitoring (PAM). Data were collected from a 38 m research vessel offshore Atlantic Canada. Our results indicate that overall detection rates increase when complementary methods are used. MMOs and PAM are likely the most effective combination during high seas and precipitation. PAM and IR can be used in darkness. In good visibility, MMOs with IR or PAM should increase detections. Our results illustrate the importance of addressing false positive IR detections, matching system capabilities to sea conditions/species of interest, and employing experienced observers.

【 授权许可】

Free