Real-Time Monitoring of Noise in Cetacean Acoustic Niches

Abstract

Sources of sound produced by human activities induce physical, physiological, and behavioral effects on marine fauna (mammals, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates), effects that can be diverse depending on the proximity to the signal source. These impacts include a reduction in the abundance of fish species of up to 50% in zones under exploration, changes in cetacean behavior and migration routes, and a distinct range of physical injuries in both marine vertebrates and invertebrates. There may be further long-term consequences due to chronic exposure, and sound can indirectly affect animals due to changes in the accessibility of prey, which may also suffer the adverse effects of acoustic pollution (Richardson et al. 1995). These damages could significantly impair the conservation of already endangered species that use acoustically contaminated areas for migratory routes, reproduction, and feeding.