The effects of acoustic alarms on the behavior of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in a floating pen

Authors
Kastelein, R.A., Rippe, H.T., Vaughan, N., Schooneman, N.M., Verboom, W.C., de Haan, D.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Marine Mammal Science
Volume (Issue #)
16(1)
Page #s
46-64
Contact information
r.kastelein@dolfinarium.nl
Summary

Two porpoises were subjected to 3 different underwater sounds (standard Dukane alarm, random Dukane alarm, and a "bird alarm") in a enclosed floating pen. Their behavior during a 15 min test period was compared to behavior during a baseline 15 min period before the test and a recovery period after the test. All alarms resulted in increases in both the distance of the animals' surfacings from the alarms and their respiration rates. The standard Dukane alarm and the bird alarm were more effective than the random alarm in inducing animals to swim away from the source.