Effects of aircraft noise on Pacific black brant and other geese in Alaska

Abstract

In 1987, a study of the effects of aircraft noise on the behavior, distribution, and habitat use of Pacific black brant, Canadian geese, and emperor geese was initiated on the Alaska Peninsula and on the North Slope of Alaska. The objectives were to: (1) describe the behavioral responses of geese as an effect of noise from aircraft overflights; (2) record and examine noise associated with experimental overflights of fixed‐ and rotary‐wing aircraft and specific altitudes, airspeeds, and environmental conditions; (3) secure baseline noise levels for routine flights of nonexperimental aircraft; and (4) provide recommendations to government agencies for reduction or mitigation of any adverse impacts associated with aircraft noise to these populations of geese. Behavior of geese was monitored from remote locations prior to, during, and following level overflights along prescribed routes. Concurrently, 13‐oct sound exposure and maximum A‐weighted and sound levels of each aircraft were measured with a real time analyzer. Here, the design and preliminary results of the first of a multiyear study will be discussed.