Changes in spatial and temporal distribution and vocal behavior of Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) during multiship exercises with mid‐frequency sonar

摘要: The number and distribution of vocalizing groups Blainville's beaked whales (Mesoplodon densirostris) were analyzed before, during, after multiship mid-frequency active sonar operations at the US Navy's Atlantic Undersea Test Evaluation Center (AUTEC) in Bahamas. Groups foraging animals isolated by detecting their echolocation clicks using an array bottom-mounted hydrophones. Two data sets evaluated consisting 115 240 h acoustic May 2007 2008, respectively. Vocal activity was observed to decline during exercises increase upon cessation transmissions both sets. did not recover preexposure levels postexposure time period nor initial 2008 set. Clicks detected generally found be on periphery hydrophone field vocal durations declined for those that remained range period. Receive calculated several indicated continued forage when exposed as high 157 dB re: μPa.