An ecosystem approach to quantifying behavioural and energetic impacts of anthropogenic disturbance to Arctic whales

Climate change is driving a transformation of the Arctic. An increased interest in the natural resources and strategic location of the region is bringing with it higher levels of underwater noise. Military sonar has been linked to the disruption of foraging and communication, and even the death of whales. However, we know very little about the impacts of military sonar on Arctic whale species. This constrains the ability of regulators to effectively manage sonar activities. As a result, this project aims to investigate the impact of military sonar on bowhead, sperm and Northern bottlenose whales. We will deploy tags on whales to record fine-scale whale behaviour and assess changes in the whale dive behaviour and vocalisations when they are exposed to sonar signals. The results will show the noise level at which whales respond to sonar, providing evidence for WWF-Canada when advocating for a sustainable and thriving Arctic ecosystem.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sarah Fortune;William Halliday

Student:

Partner:

World Wildlife Fund Canada (Toronto, ON)

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture; Other services (except public administration)

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: