Effects of noise from ore carrier shipping on narwhal (Monodon monoceros) during the open water season in the East Canadian Arctic

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dc.contributor.advisorTerhune, John
dc.contributor.advisorMajor, Heather
dc.contributor.authorSweeney, Samuel Oliver
dc.date.accessioned2023-03-01T16:16:04Z
dc.date.available2023-03-01T16:16:04Z
dc.date.issued2021
dc.date.updated2023-03-01T15:01:02Z
dc.description.abstractShipping is increasing in Arctic regions, exposing previously naïve marine mammal populations to underwater shipping-related noise. I assessed the impact of shipping on the acoustic habitat of narwhal (Monodon monoceros) and other local marine fauna. Broadband sound pressure levels (SPL; 10 Hz-25 kHz) under auditory weighing functions were compared between times of ship presence and absence using noise levels from passive acoustic recorders. Effects of ship presence and noise on narwhal behaviour were also analyzed. Broadband SPL were significantly reduced under narwhal hearing scenarios relative to unweighted levels. Narwhal perceived shipping noise at low levels and did not perceive increases until ships were within 5 km. No significant changes in narwhal behaviour were observed when only ships were present. Behavioural changes caused by other stressors were observed. Ship presence frequently occurred along with other stressors, limiting observations of behavior in the presence of ships. Continued monitoring is recommended.
dc.description.copyright© Samuel Sweeney, 2021
dc.formattext/xml
dc.format.extentxiv, 123 pages
dc.format.mediumelectronic
dc.identifier.urihttps://unbscholar.lib.unb.ca/handle/1882/13153
dc.language.isoen_CA
dc.publisherUniversity of New Brunswick
dc.rightshttp://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2
dc.subject.disciplineBiology
dc.titleEffects of noise from ore carrier shipping on narwhal (Monodon monoceros) during the open water season in the East Canadian Arctic
dc.typemaster thesis
thesis.degree.disciplineBiology
thesis.degree.fullnameMaster of Science
thesis.degree.grantorUniversity of New Brunswick
thesis.degree.levelmasters
thesis.degree.nameM.Sc.

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