Title

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

Authors

Catriona M. Harris, University of St. Andrews
Len Thomas, University of St. Andrews
Erin A. Falcone, Marine Ecology and Telemetry Research
John Hildebrand, Scripps Institute of Oceanography
Dorian Houser, National Marine Mammal Foundation
Petter H. Kvadsheim, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment
Frans-Peter A. Lam, Acoustics & Sonar Research Group, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO)
Patrick J.O. Miller, University of St. Andrews
David J. Moretti, Naval Undersea Warfare Center
Andrew J. Read, Duke University Maring Laboratory
Hans Slabbekoorn, Leiden University
Brandon L. Southall, Southall Environmental Associates, Inc.
Peter L. Tyack, Naval Undersea Warfare Center
Douglas Wartzok, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International UniversityFollow
Vincent M. Janick, University of St. Andrew

Date of this Version

7-20-2016

Document Type

Article

Rights

by

Abstract

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Comments

Originally published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

Identifier

FIDC006371

Recommended Citation

Harris, Catriona M.; Thomas, Len; Falcone, Erin A.; Hildebrand, John; Houser, Dorian; Kvadsheim, Petter H.; Lam, Frans-Peter A.; Miller, Patrick J.O.; Moretti, David J.; Read, Andrew J.; Slabbekoorn, Hans; Southall, Brandon L.; Tyack, Peter L.; Wartzok, Douglas; and Janick, Vincent M., "Marine mammals and sonar: Dose-response studies, the risk-disturbance hypothesis and the role of exposure context" (2016). Center for Coastal Oceans Research Faculty Publications. 19.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/merc_fac/19