Influence of vessel noises on underwater vocal activity of harp seals

Recordings of harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) underwater vocalizations were obtained on whelping patches in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. The seals vocalized throughout the day and night. A marked decrease in seal vocalizations occurred following the arrival of a vessel. The relatively loud...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Zoology
Main Authors: Terhune, J. M., Stewart, R. E. A., Ronald, K.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1979
Subjects:
Animal Science and Zoology
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Canada
Harp Seal
Pagophilus groenlandicus
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z79-170
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z79-170
Description
Summary:Recordings of harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) underwater vocalizations were obtained on whelping patches in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada. The seals vocalized throughout the day and night. A marked decrease in seal vocalizations occurred following the arrival of a vessel. The relatively loud motor noises of the vessel completely masked the seal calls (within a 2-km or more radius) except during the night when the vessel's motors were shut down. The decreased seal vocalizations may reflect a change in the seal's behaviour and (or) movement of some seals away from the area of the vessel.

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