Abstract
Bioacoustic probes were deployed on blue whales in and around commercial shipping lanes in Southern California. The proximity of shipping routes to predictable blue whale feeding grounds makes this an ideal location to study the impact of intense low‐frequency noise on whale behavior. The bioacoustic probe is outfitted with a calibrated hydrophone, and records temperature, pressure, and two‐axis acceleration, allowing us to evaluate sound exposure levels in relation to swimming and calling behaviors. During eight tag deployments, large commercial ships came within 1000 m or less of the tagged whale. Received levels of ship noise were measured from the tag to estimate the sound exposure levels. Because of the high level of flow noise recorded on the tag, measurements of ship noise were only possible at minimum velocity and speed. Dive and surface behaviors were evaluated related to the passage of the ship and elevated noise levels. One calling whale was tagged and exposed to ship noise at a close approach; no major change in calling behavior was observed. The results of this research provide insight on blue whale response to ships and highlight some of the challenges when measuring low frequency noise from an attached tag. [This work was supported by the ONR.]
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