Humpback whales and the impact of noise: Controlled exposure experiment (2007-2009)
Abstract
Previous Humpback Whale Acoustic Research Collaboration (HARC) experiments successfully developed a methodology for performing Controlled Exposure Experiments (CEEs) and measuring the behaviours of humpbacks at multiple resolutions, in a well defined study area. This project will concentrate on CEEs and (1) document the range of behavioural reactions observed by the whales, (2) measure the received acoustic levels that elicit reactions, and (3) place the range of reactions observed into the context of normal behaviours for these whales at this site. This project will improve our knowledge of the effects of anthropogenic noise on humpback whale behaviour and acoustic communication.
