The effect of acoustic harassment devices on harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in the Bay of Fundy, Canada |
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Authors: | Dave W Johnston |
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Affiliation: | a Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke University Marine Laboratory, 135 Duke Marine Lab Road, Beaufort, NC 28516, USAb International Marine Mammal Association Inc., 1474 Gordon Street, Guelph, ON, Canada N1L 1C8 |
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Abstract: | Many salmon aquaculture sites in the Bay of Fundy employ acoustic harassment devices (AHDs) to deter seals from approaching fish pens. These devices may also exclude harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from important habitat. To determine the effects of AHDs on harbour porpoises an AHD was deployed experimentally in the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Relative porpoise abundance (visual scans) and porpoise movements (tracked by theodolite) were recorded for separate, daily, 2-h periods in the vicinity of either an active (n=9) or inactive (n=7) AHD. Fewer porpoises were sighted during active periods (0.22±0.44, mean±SD ) than inactive periods (2.91±1.29; P<0.05). The mean closest observed approach of porpoises to the AHD during active periods (991±302 m) was significantly greater than during inactive periods (364±261 m; P<0.01). Porpoise density was therefore reduced in the vicinity of active an AHD. These results should be considered before AHDs are deployed in porpoise habitat. |
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Keywords: | Harbour porpoise Phocoena Acoustic harassment device AHD Bay of Fundy, Canada Noise pollution Aquaculture Salmon farm Seal |
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