False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) echolocation and acoustic disruption: implications for longline bycatch and depredation

Authors
Mooney, T.A. A.F. Pacini and P.E. Nachtigall
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Canadian Journal of Zoology
Volume (Issue #)
87
Page #s
726-733
Contact information
amooney@whoi.edu
Summary

An acoustic device designed to deter false killer whales from approaching longlines by reducing the whales' echolocation performance capabilities was tested on a trained false killer whale. The device, Longline Saver, produced a series of complex, broadband signals (1-250 kHz) at high intensity levels (up to 182 dB). The whale was asked to detect a target in the presense or abscence of the acoustic device. Initially, the device reduced the whale's echolocation performace to chance levels, however subsequent trials demonstrated improvement in echolocation.