Abstract
Acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs) are used in attempts to mitigate pinniped depredation on aquaculture sites through the emission of loud and pervasive noise. This study quantified spatio-temporal changes in underwater ADD noise detections along western Scotland over 11 years. Acoustic point data (‘listening events’) collected during cetacean line-transect surveys were used to map ADD presence between 2006 and 2016. A total of 19,601 listening events occurred along the Scottish west coast, and ADD presence was recorded during 1,371 listening events. Results indicated a steady increase in ADD detections from 2006 (0.05%) to 2016 (6.8%), with the highest number of detections in 2013 (12.6%), as well as substantial geographic expansion. This study demonstrates that ADDs are a significant and chronic source of underwater noise on the Scottish west coast with potential adverse impacts on target (pinniped) and non-target (e.g. cetaceans) species, which requires further study and improved monitoring and regulatory strategies.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1042-1050 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Marine Pollution Bulletin |
Volume | 135 |
Early online date | 23 Aug 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2018 |
Keywords
- underwater noise
- noise pollution
- Acoustic deterrent devices
- Mapping
- Aquaculture
- Marine mammals