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closeDepth Sounders and Orcas
Posted by Ontnilc on 03 Dec 2015 at 16:36 GMT
Any science/research regarding the use of depth sounder effects on Orcas?
Past Commodore - International Power Boat Association
RE: Depth Sounders and Orcas
jhoughton replied to Ontnilc on 04 Dec 2015 at 03:56 GMT
In general, no there is not much research on the effects of depth sounders on any marine mammals. Depth sounders are typically emitting sounds at higher frequencies but are still within the hearing range of killer whales. Whale echolocation clicks are also higher frequency, so echolocation is more likely to be affected by depth sounders.
In this study, we examined sounds in the frequency range more commonly used for killer whale communication calls (to be consistent with previous studies). There weren't any sounds from depth sounders included.