Life history and social structure as drivers of persistent organic pollutant levels and stable isotopes in Hawaiian false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens).
Science of the Total Environment. 2020.
Volume 733
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Date Published:
Publication:Ocean:Region:Species:Methods:
- September 1, 2020
False killer whales are long-lived, slow to mature, apex predators, and therefore susceptible to bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Hawaiian waters are home to three distinct populations: pelagic; Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) insular; and main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) insular. Following a precipitous decline over recent decades, the MHI population was listed as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act in 2012. This study assesses the risk of POP exposure to these populations by examining pollutant concentrations and ratios from blubber samples (n = 56) related to life history characteristics and MHI social clusters.
Current
Acoustic Ecology of Northwest Atlantic Shelf Break Cetaceans and Effects of Anthropogenic Noise Impacts
Project Objectives
Assess the acoustic niche of marine mammal species and anthropogenic contributors to disturbance
Complete
Baseline Monitoring for Marine Mammals in the East Coast Range Complexes (passive acoustics)
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, density, and vocal activity of marine mammals and sea turtles in key areas of Navy range complexes
Current
North Atlantic Right Whale Monitoring, Conservation, and Protection
Project Objectives
Assess occurrence, habitat use, and behavior of North Atlantic right whales in the mid-Atlantic region
Complete
Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals in the Gulf of Alaska
Project Objectives
Determine the spatial distribution and occurrence of beaked whales, other odontocetes, and baleen whales in offshore areas using bottom-mounted passive acoustic recorders and deep-diving autonomous gliders
Current
Southern California Beaked Whale Occurrence (formerly "Passive Acoustic Monitoring of Marine Mammals in Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL)")
Project Objectives
Determine the distribution and temporal patterns of beaked whale occurrence in the waters within and outside the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL). Use passive acoustic monitoring to determine what species are present in SOCAL and examine spatial and temporal patterns.
Successful CEE Trial with the USS Thomas Hudner
July 24, 2024
In July 2024, the Atlantic Behavioral Response Study, led by Duke University, conducted a successful controlled exposure experiment (CEE) involving the USS Thomas Hudner and tagged goose-beaked whales off Cape Hatteras. The study assessed the whales' behavioral responses to Continuous Active Sonar (CAS) signals, utilizing a High Frequency Recording Package (HARP) for sound recordings and coordination with the USS Thomas Hudner for sonar signal transmission. Preliminary observations suggested minimal behavioral changes in the focal whale, Zc150, during the experiment.
