Behavioral and Physiological Responses of Bottlenose Dolphins to Naval Sonar

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DISCOVERY Yacht Valkyrie
Catalina Island, California
October 17- 25, 2024

Program Overview

The purpose of this research is to assess the effects, if any, that Navy sonar might have on cetacean populations (specifically bottlenose dolphins) off the coast of Catalina Island in southern California.

Application

This research will hopefully help to inform Naval activities of the impacts of sonar on marine mammals and best practices or guidelines if, when, and how to use sonar in the presence of certain species

Expedition Summary

From October 17th - 25th, The International SeaKeepers Society assisted Dr. Brandon Southall and several marine research organizations including Southall Environmental Associates, Cascadia Research Collective, UC Santa Cruz, Kelp Marine Research, SR3, and the University of Arizona in conducting field research off the coast of Catalina Island in southern California. The team, which consisted of biologists, acousticians, and conservationists, worked in collaboration with DISCOVERY Yacht Valkyrie, owned and operated by Tom Petersen. This project seeks to investigate detailed aspects of the movement and acoustic behavior as well as physiological aspects of bottlenose dolphins. Using controlled sound experiments simulating Navy sonar, the team observes and records how these human noises in the dolphins’ environment affect their health and behavior using carefully controlled methods. D/Y Valkyrie was essential on this expedition, serving as the hub of operations for visual surveys, coordinating small boat operations, acting as the launch platform for drone operations, and housing the research team.

Location

Catalina Island, California

Duration of Project

This projects has been ongoing for several years

Research Team

  • Brandon Southall (SEA)
  • Ari Friedlaender (SEA)
  • Selene Fregosi (SEA)
  • Caroline Casey (SEA)
  • Kristin Southall (SEA)
  • John Durban (SEA)

  • Logan Pallin (UCSC)

  • Fleur Visser (KELP)
  • Marie Guilpin (KELP)
  • Fadia Al Abbar (KELP)

  • John Calambokidis (CASCADIA)
  • James Fahlbush (CASCADIA)
  • Jack Barkowsky (CASCADIA)
  • Alex Vanderzee (CASCADIA)
  • Hannah Clayton (CASCADIA)

  • Sam Leander (SR3)
  • Holly Fahlbush (SR3)

  • Henry Scharf (University of Arizona)
  • Anisha Matias (University of Arizona)