Abstract
Seafloor recorders were deployed in the western Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic waters during 2006–2009 to monitor noise levels and fin whale presence. Acoustic parameters of 20‐Hz pulses (pulse duration, bandwidth and intervals, and center and peak frequencies) were compared for areas with different shipping noise levels, different shipping intensities in the Strait of Gibraltar and during seismic airgun events. Statistically significant differences were detected between noise contexts. In general, acoustic parameter values decreased with increased noise levels. In high‐noise conditions, 20‐Hz pulse duration shortened, bandwidth decreased, and center and peak frequencies decreased. Similar results were obtained in the presence of airgun events, and bearings to singing whales indicated that whales moved away from the airgun source and out of our detection area for a time period that extended well beyond the duration of the airgun activity. This study provides evidence that fin whales modify their acoustic behavior to compensate for increased ambient noise and shows that under some conditions they will leave an area for an extended period. Sensitization and habituation processes may play a role in these behaviors and are discussed in the context of these results.
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