Biological significance of sperm whale responses to sonar: comparison with anti-predator responses

Curé, Charlotte; Isojunno, Saana; Visser, Fleur; Wensveen, Paul J.; Sivle, Lise Doksæter; Kvadsheim, Petter H.; Lam, Frans‐Peter A.; Miller, Patrick J. O.

doi:10.3354/esr00748

Cited by 26 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…In most species studied, individuals responded to active sonar sounds in a manner similar to their responses to the calls of predators (e.g. Curé et al., ; Isojunno et al., ; Tyack et al., ). However, there is evidence to suggest that most individuals perceive sonar as a lesser threat than killer whale sounds, as the responses to killer whale playbacks have been stronger and more consistent than responses to sonar (e.g.…”

Section: Methodological Approach and Research Questionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, there is evidence to suggest that most individuals perceive sonar as a lesser threat than killer whale sounds, as the responses to killer whale playbacks have been stronger and more consistent than responses to sonar (e.g. Curé et al., ; Isojunno et al., ; Miller et al., ; Sivle et al., ; Tyack et al., ). There is direct evidence of this from comparisons of responses made by individuals exposed to both sonar and killer whale playbacks for sperm whales (Curé et al., ; Isojunno et al., ), humpback whales (Curé et al., ) and Blainville's beaked whale (Tyack et al., ), all of which are at risk of predation by killer whales.…”

Section: Methodological Approach and Research Questionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Curé et al., ; Isojunno et al., ; Miller et al., ; Sivle et al., ; Tyack et al., ). There is direct evidence of this from comparisons of responses made by individuals exposed to both sonar and killer whale playbacks for sperm whales (Curé et al., ; Isojunno et al., ), humpback whales (Curé et al., ) and Blainville's beaked whale (Tyack et al., ), all of which are at risk of predation by killer whales. An exception are long‐finned pilot whales, which exhibit attraction to killer whale sounds (Curé et al., ), perhaps as part of a defensive mobbing strategy, while avoiding sonar sounds at high RLs (Antunes et al., ; Visser et al., ).…”

Section: Methodological Approach and Research Questionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Visual Observaɵonsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Marine mammals and sonar: Dose‐response studies, the risk‐disturbance hypothesis and the role of exposure context

Harris

Thomas

Falcone

et al. 2017

Journal of Applied Ecology

107

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Marine mammals may be negatively affected by anthropogenic noise. Behavioural response studies (BRS) aim to establish a relationship between noise exposure conditions (dose) from a potential stressor and associated behavioural responses of animals. A recent series of BRS have focused on the effects of naval sonar sounds on cetaceans. Here, we review the current state of understanding of naval sonar impact on marine mammals and highlight knowledge gaps and future research priorities. Many marine mammal species exhibit responses to naval sonar sounds. However, responses vary between and within individuals and populations, highlighting the importance of exposure context in modulating dose–response relationships. There is increasing support from both terrestrial and marine systems for the risk‐disturbance hypothesis as an explanation for underlying response processes. This proposes that sonar sounds may be perceived by animals as a threat, evoking a response shaped by the underlying species‐specific risk of predation and anti‐predator strategy. An understanding of responses within both the dose–response and risk‐disturbance frameworks may enhance our ability to predict responsiveness for unstudied species and populations. Many observed behavioural responses are energetically costly, but the way that these responses may lead to long‐term individual and population‐level impacts is poorly understood. Synthesis and applications. Behavioural response studies have greatly improved our understanding of the potential effects of naval sonar on marine mammals. Despite data gaps, we believe a dose‐response approach within a risk‐disturbance framework will enhance our ability to predict responsiveness for unstudied species and populations. We advocate for (1) regulatory frameworks to utilize peer‐reviewed research findings when making predictions of impact, (2) regulatory frameworks to account for the inherent uncertainty in predictions of impact and (3) investment in monitoring programmes that are both directed by recent research and offer opportunities for validation of predictions at the individual and population level.

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Section: Methodological Approach and Research Questionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodological Approach and Research Questionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodological Approach and Research Questionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Visual Observaɵonsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

Marine mammals and sonar: Dose‐response studies, the risk‐disturbance hypothesis and the role of exposure context

Harris

Thomas

Falcone

et al. 2017

Journal of Applied Ecology

107

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Isojunno et al (2016) and Curé et al (2016) reported avoidance behavior, interruption of foraging and/or resting behavior, and an increase in social sound production in response to 1-2 kHz active sonar. Sperm whales stopped foraging at cumulative received sound exposure levels (SEL) of 135-145 dB re 1 µPa .…”

Section: Other Cetacean Species Affected By Active Sonarmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impacts of Navy Sonar on Whales and Dolphins: Now beyond a Smoking Gun?

Parsons

2017

Front. Mar. Sci.

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The risks military sonar poses to cetaceans received international attention with a highly-publicized mass stranding of Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris), Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris), and northern minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the Bahamas in 2000. This was the first time that the US Government determined a stranding to be the result of mid-frequency active sonar use. Subsequently attention has been drawn to other mass strandings coincident with naval exercises, including events preceding the 2000 mass stranding. The list of species for which mass strandings have been linked to naval exercises has also increased to include other beaked whales, dwarf and pygmy sperm whales (Kogia spp.), pilot whales (Globicephala spp.), several dolphin species (Stenella sp. and Delphinus delphis), and harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). In particular, there have been several mass strandings in the northern Indian Ocean coincident with naval exercises-including one of the largest (200-250 dolphins)-which have received little attention. Changes in beaked whale behavior, including evasive maneuvering, have been recorded at received levels below <100 dB re 1 µPa (rms) and mass stranding may occur at received levels potentially as low as 150-170 dB re 1 µPa. There is strong scientific evidence to suggest that a wide range of whale, dolphin and porpoise species can also be impacted by sound produced during military activities, with significant effects occurring at received levels lower than previously predicted. Although there are many stranding events that have occurred coincident with the presence of naval vessels or exercises, it is important to emphasize that even the absence of strandings in a region does not equate to an absence of deaths, i.e., absence of evidence does not mean evidence of absence. Strandings may be undetected, or be unlikely to be observed because of a lack of search effort or due to coastal topography or characteristics. There may also be "hidden" impacts of sonar and exercises not readily observable (e.g., stress responses). Due to the level of uncertainty related to this issue, ongoing baseline monitoring for cetaceans in exercise areas is important and managers should take a precautionary approach to mitigating impacts and protecting species.

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Evidence for discrimination between feeding sounds of familiar fish and unfamiliar mammal-eating killer whale ecotypes by long-finned pilot whales

et al. 2019

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Killer whales (KW) may be predators or competitors of other cetaceans. Since their foraging behavior and acoustics differ among populations ('ecotypes'), we hypothesized that other cetaceans can eavesdrop on KW sounds and adjust their behavior according to the KW ecotype.We performed playback experiments on long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) in Norway using familiar fish-eating KW sounds (fKW) simulating a sympatric population that might compete for foraging areas, unfamiliar mammal-eating KW sounds (mKW) simulating a potential predator threat, and two control sounds. We assessed behavioral responses using animal-borne multi-sensor tags and surface visual observations. Pilot whales barely changed behavior to a broadband noise (CTRL-) whereas they were attracted and exhibited spyhops to fKW, mKW and to a repeated-tonal upsweep signal (CTRL+). Whales never stopped nor started feeding in response to fKW whereas they reduced or stopped foraging to mKW and CTRL+.Moreover, pilot whales joined other subgroups in response to fKW and CTRL+ whereas they tightened individual spacing within group and reduced time at surface in response to mKW.Typical active intimidation behavior displayed to fKW might be an anti-predator strategy to a known low-risk ecotype or alternatively a way of securing the habitat exploited by a heterospecific sympatric population. Cessation of feeding and more cohesive approach to mKW playbacks might reflect an anti-predator behavior towards an unknown KW ecotype of potentially higher risk. We conclude that pilot whales are able to acoustically discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar KW ecotypes, enabling them to adjust their behavior according to the perceived disturbance type.

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Biological significance of sperm whale responses to sonar: comparison with anti-predator responses

Cited by 26 publications

References 54 publications

Marine mammals and sonar: Dose‐response studies, the risk‐disturbance hypothesis and the role of exposure context

Marine mammals and sonar: Dose‐response studies, the risk‐disturbance hypothesis and the role of exposure context

Impacts of Navy Sonar on Whales and Dolphins: Now beyond a Smoking Gun?

Evidence for discrimination between feeding sounds of familiar fish and unfamiliar mammal-eating killer whale ecotypes by long-finned pilot whales

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