A Comparative Analysis of Humpback Whale Soundscape Ecology; Before and During COVID-19 Marine Restrictions
Conference Year
January 2021
Abstract
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
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
laura
Faculty/Staff Collaborators
Laura Newman
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Arts and Sciences
Program/Major
Biology
Primary Research Category
Arts & Humanities
A Comparative Analysis of Humpback Whale Soundscape Ecology; Before and During COVID-19 Marine Restrictions
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