A Comparative Analysis of Humpback Whale Soundscape Ecology; Before and During COVID-19 Marine Restrictions
Wilson, Christopher j
Wilson, Christopher j
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Christopher Wilson CURE - Department of Biology at the University of Vermont The Analysis of Humpback Whale Soundscape Ecology; Comparing Before and During Covid-19 Marine Restrictions Author(s) Christopher Wilson Professor Laura J May-Collado Betzi Perez* Kristin Rasmussen* Abstract The novel Coronavirus’ strict marine lockdowns decreased global ocean traffic density by nearly 45.0%. Scientists took advantage of this unique opportunity to focus study on any relation these silent seas may have with sonorous species--relying on sound to communicate. In order to support any possible conclusion, we deployed autonomous underwater recorders focusing on daily boat congestion and animal frequencies at locations Islas Secas and Pargo Archipelago situated on the southern humpback whale’s migratory route near panama. In these breeding areas, male humpback whales can be detected miles away signing complex songs to attract females and to compete with other males. Using RFCxARBIMON as our acoustic database and dBWav to estimate overall ambient noise levels we created a presence-absence matrix to clearly compare data collected in 2020 versus more standard data from 2017. Our hypothesis shows support for the already established claim of SARS-CoV-2’ decreased boat presence. Accompanying this, the hypothesis supports evidence for the inverse effect mankind's polluting actions have increasing species population density. The results of this study will help as a building block to a better understanding of the impact anthropogenic underwater noise has on marine life. **Institution: Fundacion Panacetacea
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2021-01-01
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Undergraduate
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Biology
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College of Arts and Sciences
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Arts & Humanities