UKAN’s Special Interest Group in Underwater Acoustics Presents the Institute of Acoustics 50th Anniversary Special Webinar Series with Dr. Peter L. Tyack.
Dr. Peter L. Tyack Bio
Peter Tyack is Professor of Marine Mammal Biology at the University of St Andrews and Emeritus Research Scholar at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He is co-chair of the Scientific Committee of the International Quiet Ocean Experiment and chair of its Ocean Sound EOV Implementation Committee. His basic research focuses on marine bioacoustics, especially acoustic communication and social behavior in marine mammals. This led him to understand that anthropogenic underwater sound can be a stressor for marine life, and to develop experimental designs to study the effects of sound on wildlife.
Presentation Title
Impacts of Sonar on Cetaceans
Abstract
Fifty years ago, an understanding of how low frequency sound propagates in the ocean led to the first alarm that underwater sound might affect cetaceans — does shipping noise reduce the range at which whales can communicate. Masking is less significant than first thought, because whales, like most mammals, increase the amplitude of calls in elevated noise. Concern then switched to intense sources of sound such as airguns and sonar. Safe exposure thresholds were developed by measuring sound exposure levels associated with the onset of hearing loss, and these form the basis for protective regulations. 25 years ago, biologists noticed that toothed whales called beaked whales stranded during sonar exercises. We now know that sonar disrupts their deep foraging dives, potentially causing them to die from decompression at sea as well as from stranding. I will discuss how studies of beaked whale responses to sonar have defined effects and the acoustic exposures that cause them. Today concern about effects of sound are broadening from acute effects of intense sources to cumulative effects of multiple sources.
Posted on 14th November 2024 in Events
