Study Shows Ship Noise in Arctic Affects Narwhals' Behavior
Recent research in Nunavut's Eclipse Sound reveals that narwhals are highly sensitive to low-pitched ship noise, causing them to stop echolocating and leave the area. The study, published in Nature, highlights the impact of shipping noise on narwhals' movements and behavior, prompting concerns about their declining population in the region.
New research on narwhals in Nunavut's Eclipse Sound suggests the animals may be more sensitive to shipping noise than previously believed. The study, published in the journal Nature, found that narwhals stop echolocating and vacate an area when exposed to low-pitched ship noise. They are sensitive to sounds more than 20 kilometers away. The research will be used to assess impacts of mine shipping, cruise ships, and yachts entering the Northwest Passage.
Over the last two decades, narwhal numbers in Eclipse Sound have declined by about 90%. Inuit hunters first noticed changes in narwhal behavior and population numbers as vessels connected to mining and tourism activities increased in the region. The study also revealed that narwhals are more sensitive to noise than previously thought, showing behavioral changes when ships are within 20 kilometers.
The research will inform management plans for marine conservation areas and future protected areas. The study used echolocation clicks of narwhals and satellite data to measure ship distances from recorders. Narwhals are sensitive to noise below 1 kHz and react to sound pressure levels below 120 dB.
According to the source: CBC.
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
